The London Appreciation Society
Blue Book
January – June 2017 Number 145
1
The London Appreciation Society (Founded in 1932 by the late Dr. H.L. Bryant Peers)
BM London Appreciation Society, London WC1N 3XX www.las.org.uk
*
The Society is a secular, non-political and non-profit seeking organisation for adults interested in the past, present and future of London
*
President: The Rt. Hon. The Viscount Norwich, CVO
Vice-Presidents Rabbi Lionel Blue, OBE Colonel George Cauchi, CBE Roger Cline Valerie Colin-Russ The Ven. Peter Delaney Gerald R. Charles Dickens Anthea Gray
Committee Chairman: Christopher Claxton Stevens Deputy Chairman: John Mann Secretary: John Mann Registrar: Clive Page Treasurer: John Tritton Assistant Treasurer: Mary Moore Minutes Secretary: Yvonne Pines Shelagh Blackham MBE Don Buchanan Marion Carr Arthur Fordham Patricia Howard Anne Oxenham MBE
Officers Membership Secretary: Christine Bevan Consultant: Anthea Gray
Honorary Life Members John Barrett Roger Cline Valerie Colin-Russ Anthea Gray Daphne Hart
2
Programme Team
Shelagh Blackham Arthur Fordham James Nadarajah Marion Carr Anthea Gray
Tour Leaders John Ackroyd Julie Crouch John Mann Jacqueline Anda Paul Dye Mary Moore Rosemary Bolingbroke Pat Howard (Co-ordinator) Chris Redfern Ronald Chave Reg Kemp Alexander Stenhouse Christopher Claxton Stevens Mike Lever John Tritton Roger Cline Rhoda Lewis
Contacts Please email or write to the Officer concerned and if you write please enclose a stamped address envelope if you need a reply. Please do not telephone except in emergency, and in normal office hours, if possible, i.e. between 9am and 6pm weekdays.
Printing Services or non-receipt of Blue Book:- Colin Watson, 22 Leonard Avenue, Morden, SM4 6DW email: [email protected]
Non-receipt of booking confirmation forms:- Dr Clive Page, 1 Durler Gardens, Luton LU1 3TA email: [email protected]
To Cancel an Asterisked Event:- Les Spicer, 18 Grosvenor Gardens, Upminster, RM14 1DJ Telephone: 01708 229 029 * Brief messages only, between 9am and 6pm weekdays *
To join ‘Phoneswap’ scheme:- (for non-Asterisked events) Brian Woollatt, 1 Aberdare Close, West Wickham, BR4 9LP email: [email protected]
General Enquiries & Information:- Don Buchanan: John Tritton: email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
Membership enquiries or change of address:- Christine Bevan, 52 Greenwich Park Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9LT email: [email protected]
Suggestions for future events:- The Secretary at: BM London Appreciation Society, London WC1N 3XX email: [email protected]
Travel Information:- National Rail: Telephone 03457 484950 (www.nationalrail.co.uk) Transport for London: Telephone 0343 222 1234 (www.tfl.gov.uk)
3
Important Notices
Injury to Person / Loss of Property The Society and its officers cannot be held responsible for death or injury to members, or loss or damage to property at any time and however caused.
Cancellation of Event Every possible effort will be made to adhere to the programme as advertised, but neither the Society nor its officers can be held responsible for alterations or cancellations. Events will not be cancelled because of transport strikes. If for this or any other reason the venue cannot have us, the Society will cancel the event and hope to include it at a future date. In this case members will be credited in full but the appropriate amount, giving details, must be claimed on the next booking form.
Data Protection Act The membership list is held on computer for use within the Society only. Members who object to this should advise the Membership Secretary (see page 2).
Subscriptions The subscription of £10 for a calendar year must be paid by 31st December 2016, using the Renewal Form enclosed with this Blue Book, to continue your membership whether or not you are booking events. With regret this will be strictly enforced in view of the waiting list.
Blue Book The Blue Book is published twice a year to cover the periods January to June and September to December.
Dietary Requirements If you have special dietary requirements please notify if booking an event which includes a meal.
Asterisked Events These are where numbers are severely restricted, not flexible or where full payment is required in advance. If you are accepted for one of these it is essential that you telephone Mr Spicer (see Page 2) as soon as you realise you will be unable to attend. He will then try to fill your place from those members refused. Brief messages only please, between 9am and 6pm weekdays only. The replacement member should send the appropriate cheque, made out to the London Appreciation Society, to Les Spicer and not to the Tour Leader but must tell the leader whom they are replacing.
Phoneswap If you would like to join a reciprocal arrangement for telephoning re non- asterisked events should you be unable to attend, please send your telephone number and email address and enclose a sae to Brian Woollatt to receive a list of names and numbers with which to swap (see Page 2). Members of the Society who have computers and printers can join the “Phoneswap” by sending Brian a request by email. Phoneswap members can also request up- to-date lists by email or by sending an SAE to Brian. 4
Tickets At all events where tickets are involved, such as concerts, these will be given out on the day by the Tour Leader at the venue.
Booking Arrangements Enclosed with the Blue Book are two booking forms and two envelopes which have been pre-printed with the Registrar’s address. The Blue Book delivered in November also comes with a membership renewal form. If you are booking events in the January to March period please send in the white booking form and the subscription form together with a single cheque covering the fees for events and your subscription. If you are booking events just send in the subscription form with your cheque, at latest by the end of the year. It is too labour-intensive to send out reminders, so if you forget to renew you may lose your membership for a time. Please do not post the green booking form until the Registrar has had time to deal with all the white forms.
The booking form should be completed following the instructions on its reverse side. If you suggested an event or have any special reason for attending please say so. To claim a refund such as for a cancelled event please do so on the booking form, quoting the event number, the amount claimed, and a brief explanation.
Bookings for guests may now be made for any event (except the AGM), but these will only be considered if the event still has places free after all bookings for members without guests have been accepted. Typically over 70% of events are full, those with places free are mostly the talks.
Payment must be made by cheque made out to the London Appreciation Society (not just LAS). Leave the figures box empty and write a limit on the second line, as shown in the example on the reverse of the booking form.
The ballot will include all forms received by the deadline. You make ask for your booking confirmation to be returned by email or post. For email please confirm you email address; for post you must enclose a stamped-addressed envelope. A C5 envelope will fit unfolded in the envelope supplied. Please bring the booking confirmation with you to events as this constitutes your ticket. Forms arriving after the deadline will be allocated places on those events which are not then full. About two weeks after the deadline the event lists are sent out making it more time-consuming to handle subsequent booking requests.
Tickets are needed for some events such as concerts. If so the Tour Leader will hand them out on the day at the designated meeting place.
Frequent absentees may be warned that their future booking success rate will be reduced.
Membership Please notify the membership secretary of changes to email addresses via email, as misinterpretation of handwriting on the renewal form can lead to errors. 5
Refunds Asterisked Events: Refunds will only be given if it was possible to replace you or you cancelled at least 2 weeks prior to the event; a credit will be given by the Registrar at his discretion. This must be claimed on your next booking form, giving full details. Mr Spicer will not deal with refunds. Non-Asterisked Events: It is regretted that no refunds can be made for these events but you may arrange yourself for another member to take your place and adjust payment between you (See page 3, “Phoneswap”). Please do not contact Les Spicer or any committee member if you unable to attend. The Registrar overbooks these events sufficiently to allow for some non-attendance.
Events Please give your name to the Tour Leader at each event on arrival. Be sure to bring your booking confirmation form with you as this now constitutes your ticket. Kindly do not turn up for an event without confirmation of your booking acceptance from the Registrar, otherwise you may be refused entry or asked to pay again whilst checks are made. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off before all events. If possible please avoid arriving over-early for an event. There is usually somewhere nearby in which time can be spent if necessary. The lecture rooms will not be available until 15 minutes before the start of a lecture. Those with hearing or other difficulties are welcome to go a few minutes early in order to have a seat near the front. All events start on time unless the Tour Leader knows something very exceptional has occurred. Please check all the Blue Book details before setting out. Travel information is for guidance only and, as it is prepared much in advance, cannot be guaranteed. All travel times can be confirmed by telephone or online (see Page 2). Members should assume there is no car parking available unless details are given. Please meet at the designated meeting place which is not necessarily the venue. If arriving by car, please report to the Tour Leader at the meeting place, where the Tour Leader will be waiting, before parking. Occasionally lifts to and from the venue would be appreciated.
Dress Code Please dress with consideration to the importance of the occasion, such as “smart casual” for prestigious City events. Inappropriate and untidy attire reflects poorly on the image of the Society.
Guided Walks In order for it to be pleasanter for both members and the guide, it has been decided to grade walks as follows and members are asked to book only those which are suitable for them. Grade A: Fairly energetic; some hills and steps, duration possibly 2 hours. Grade B: Normal pace, possibly some hills and steps, duration 1½ to 2 hours. Grade C: Easy pace, suitable for wheelchairs and slow walkers, duration 1½ hours.
6
Diary Dates - Reminder
White form January to March 2017
Events covered 1 to 31
Registrar receipt deadline 8th December 2016
Blue Form – Membership Renewal to be sent with booking form to Registrar.
If this is not received by 31st December 2016, regrettably, your membership will be cancelled.
Green form April to June 2017
Events covered 32 to 69
Registrar receipt deadline 11th February 2017
7
Monday 16 January 1. Griffin Brewery London's oldest existing brewery is affectionately known as Fuller's Brewery, and is the proud owner of the oldest wisteria in the country. The Brewery has been controlled by the Fullers, Smiths and Turners Partnership for over 170 years, with direct descendants still involved in the running of the company today. Our guides will take us on a comprehensive tour explaining the brewing process, and we shall learn how traditional methods and the newest technology work together in harmony. After visiting the Hock Cellar, with its artefacts and memorabilia, there will be a tasting session of Fuller's range of draught real ales.
Meet: Outside the Mawson Arms on the corner of Great West Road and Mawson Lane (Nearest underground: Turnham Green, then 15 minutes' walk. Bus 190 from Hammersmith stops almost opposite the Brewery in Chiswick Lane South and there is a subway under the A4) Time: 11am (Likely duration 2 hours) (30 places) Fee: £20
Sensible shoes should be worn as the floors can be slippery. There are many stairs to climb and the tour is unsuitable for those with impaired mobility.
Thursday 19 January 2. The Temple and Blackfriars A Walk (grade B) with Tony Tucker through the historic area of the lawyers of the Inner and Middle Temple, with superb medieval, Tudor and 17th century buildings, including the famous Temple Church. Then on to Fleet Street and the printing industry, Wren's magnificent St Bride, Fleet Street, church, the sites and remains of the Whitefriars and the Blackfriars monasteries, elegant Georgian courtyards, narrow lanes and alleyways, one of the most original of the surviving livery halls and some of the City's most atmospheric pubs.
Meet: Temple underground Time: 11am (25 places) Fee: £9 Fee £9
Friday 20 January - Asterisked Event 3*. The Savile Club Suffocating beneath the traditions of Victorian Clubland, a group of like- minded spirits decided to form their own club in 1868. They called it 'The New Club', and for three years they occupied rooms in the Medical Club in Spring Gardens. The expanding membership soon moved to a sizeable old 8 house in No.15 Savile Row, and with wry understatement, members chose to call it The Savile Club. In 1927 they moved again to their present premises in Brook Street. The Club's members have included many famous actors, composers and writers, and also a number of eminent scientists, doctors, lawyers as well as the odd film maker and politician. Julian Malone-Lee, the Club Secretary, who will be taking the tour, will tell us more about the Club's history.
Meet: The Savile Club, 69 Brook Street, W1K 4ER (Nearest underground: Bond Street, then 5 minutes' walk) Time: 10.30am (Likely duration l½ hours) (10 places) Fee: £7
Refreshments have been promised. The tour takes in four floors and there are 135 steps. See alternative date, event 5.
Monday 23 January 4. The Life and London of Sir John Betjeman Who can resist the character, poetry and writings of this man? From Metroland to St. Pancras, from Cornwall to Cloth Fair and Bedford Park, Andrew Davies will take us following his enthusiastic footsteps.
Meet: The Art Workers Guild, 6 Queens Square, WC1V 3AT Time: 2.30pm (90 places) Fee: £10
Bookings may be made for members’ guests.
Tuesday 24 January - Asterisked Event 5*. The Savile Club All details as for event 3, except date and time.
Time: 11am
Thursday 26 January 6. The London Buddhist Centre This is the main London base of the Triratna Buddhist Community, formerly known as the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, which opened in 1978. The centre teaches meditation and Buddhism, and it also explores the teaching of the Buddha (dharma) and its relevance in today's society through seminars, classes and retreats, in addition the centre also runs courses and 9 retreats using mindfulness based cognitive therapy approaches. During our tour of the centre, we shall hear more about its history and the work it does.
Meet: London Buddhist Centre, 51 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, E2 OHU (Nearest underground station: Bethnal Green, then a 5 minutes' walk Time: 11am (Likely duration 1½ hours) (30 places) Fee: £5
Refreshments have been promised.
Friday 27 January - Asterisked Event 7*. Texterity This is an established Conservation and Restoration Studio in London specialising in the preservation of antiques, historic, modern and archaeological textiles. Although they specialise in this work, they work with conservators of other disciplines whose skills cover lacquer, leather, furniture, wood, fans, paper, oil/gesso/water/ink, painting on textiles, ceramics, gilding and metalwork. Other skills include soft furnishing, tailoring, cabinet making and upholstery. The studio specialises largely in Charles 1 and Restoration Period raised work and it includes caskets, embroidered panels, gauntlets, stitched portraits and mirrors. Texterity has also been a key operator in the re-location, design and building of the new permanent exhibition of Legal Costume and the store rooms at the Royal Courts of Justice and continues in its role of Curator/Conservator. Past and present commissions include the curatorship and conservation of textiles at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire. During our tour we shall hear more about the work it does.
Meet: Texterity, Unit GD West Point, 36-37 Warple Way, W3 ORG (Nearest Overground station: Acton Central, then 15 minutes' walk through Acton Park. Nearest underground station: Turnham Green then 20 minutes' walk. Bus 207, then 5 minutes' walk (bus stops next to Acton Park.) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1- 1½ hours) (10 people) Fee: £18
Tuesday 31 January 8. All Change in the Victorian City The long reign of Queen Victoria (now the second longest in the history of the British monarchy) saw major advancements in many fields, including communications, transport, education and public services. This walk (grade A), led by City Guide Brenda Cole, will explore how these developments and inventions left their mark on the street pattern, buildings and other features of part of the City of London and seek out links with some of the personalities involved. We shall hear about, among others, the Belgian
10 hotelier who became Lord Mayor, the famous chef who promoted cooking with gas and the campaigning journalist who perished on the Titanic.
Meet: Temple underground Station (The walk finishes near St Paul’s Cathedral) Time: 11.30am (Likely duration 2 hours) (25 places) Fee: £9
Wednesday 1 February 9. The Grand Order of Water Rats Museum The Grand Order of Water Rats is based in a large pub at Gray’s Inn Road near Kings Cross station. It was founded in 1889 by two music hall comedians Joe Elvin and Jack Lotto. It started off with 12 members and now has about 200 members. It is an exclusive British entertainment industry and charitable organisation made up of only male members. The money raised by organising shows, lunches, dinners, and other events goes towards assisting members and dependents of the theatrical profession who are in need due to illness or old age. The money also goes to hospitals, health charities, and benevolent funds. The tour includes a film, talk, a visit to the museum, coffee and biscuits. Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Peter Sellers, and Tommy Cooper have all been past Water Rats. Companion water rats include Prince Charles, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Meet: The Grand Order of Water Rats Museum, 328 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8BZ Time: 2pm (Likely duration 2hrs 45mins) (45 places) Fee: £16
Thursday 9 February 10. Hoxton Hall Hoxton Hall is a grade two listed building in the heart of East London, built in 1863 as Macdonald's Music Hall. It served as a place to provide entertainment and education for the poor of the area and it does this today for the local community. It is not only a theatre but a magnificent music and events venue, rehearsal, and recording space. In the meantime it has been used as a Quaker Meeting House, Temperance Movement Headquarters and also as a shelter during the last war. William Isaac Palmer, heir to the Huntley and Palmer biscuit family, purchased the building in 1879, and on his death, the hall passed on to the Bedford Institute. We will be taken on a tour of the building followed by tea and biscuits.
Meet: Old Street underground ticket hall Time: 10.30am (Likely duration 2 hours) (30 places) Fee: £7
11
Friday 10 February 11. Boxers, Bandits and a Blind Beggar - A walk in Bethnal Green On this walk (grade B), Ian Bevan will take us round Bethnal Green, one of the original Tower Hamlets. It grew particularly in the 18th century when silk weavers set up their workshops but by the 19th century it was one of the poorest parts of London. It has also been home to boxers, bandits and a blind beggar!
Meet: At the Stairway to Heaven memorial in Bethnal Green Park, directly above the underground station. Time: 11am (Likely duration 2 hours) (25 places) Fee: £9
Wednesday 15 February 12. The Reform Club Charles Barry was the architect responsible for this palazzo style architecture. It was built to celebrate the passing of the 1832 Reform Act, the first legislation to end parliamentary corruption. The Reform Club has a distinguished place in British political history. It can fairly claim to be the cradle of parliamentary lobbying. Gladstone used to hold his Whitebait Suppers with his Liberal colleagues in the Cabinet Room and the author Jules Verne used the club to set the scene for Phileas Fogg to accept a wager to travel Around the World in Eighty Days - starting from and returning to the club premises just in time to win the bet. The Reform Club is no longer associated with any political party.
Meet: The Reform Club, 104 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5EW Time: 10.30am (Likely duration 2 hours) (20 places) Fee: £13
Friday 17 February 13. The Life, Times and London of Jane Austen She was one of our best loved writers even though she died fairly young at just 37. Her life was surprisingly full and diverse and she knew London well. Andrew Davies will tell us about all this and describe her house at Chawton, Hampshire.
Meet: The Art Workers Guild, 6 Queen Square, WC1V 3AT (Nearest underground: Russell Square, then about 7 minutes’ walk) Time: 2.30pm (90 places) Fee: £10
12
Saturday 18 February 14. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts This is one of the oldest drama schools in the UK. Established in 1904 by Herbert Beerbohm Tree, it moved to Gower Street in 1905 from Haymarket and received its Royal Charter in 1920. George Bernard Shaw left one third of all his royalties to RADA. Famous alumni include Richard Attenborough, Kenneth Branagh, Joan Collins and Tom Hiddleston (‘The night Manager’) and Sir John Gielgud. We will be taken on a tour of the site and see a matinee performance put on by graduating students.
Meet: RADA Reception, 62-64 Gower Street, WC1E 6ED Time: 11am (16 places) Fee: £19 (tour+matinee) (Likely duration 1 hour (tour only), 3½ hours (tour+matinee))
Refreshments are available in a good cafe within the RADA premises.
Tuesday 21 February 15. Ramble to a Tavern Blue Badge Guide, Tim Kidd, will take us on a tour (grade C) past some of Mayfair's pubs which were originally intended for the servants in nearby mansions. We shall end up in the Guinea which stood by Mayfair's animal pond before the farmland was built. Here you will be able to warm up after the winter walk!
Meet: Outside Green Park underground, where Stratton Road joins Piccadilly Time: 6pm (25 places) Fee: £9 (excluding drinks) Fee: £9
Thursday 2 March 16. British Optical Association Museum This was founded in 1901 by the optician and administrator J H Sutcliffe. He wanted to create an 'Optical House Beautiful', and his legacy is a visually arresting museum and archive collection now comprising over eleven thousand outstanding items relating to the history of ophthalmic optics, the human eye and visual aids as well as the representation of these subjects in art. Many of the objects in the museum are now rare or unique, from a scarily large Victorian contact lens, or wacky fashion spectacles, to exquisitely made eyebaths and spyglasses. During our tour with the Curator, Neil Handley, we shall hear more about the Museum's history and introduced to the objects on display. 13
Meet: The College of Optometrists, 42 Craven Street, WC2N 5NG (Nearest underground: Charing Cross or Embankment) Time: 11am (Likely duration 2 hours) (25 places) Fee: £5
Thursday 2 March 17. Medieval Churches of the City On this walk (grade C), we visit All Hallows by the Tower with its medieval treasures and amazing crypt/undercroft; St Olave, Hart Street with its fine medieval interior, colourful monuments, Samuel Pepys connections; and St Katharine Cree with its unique early 17th century original interior and stunning ceiling.
Meet: Tower Hill underground booking hall Time: 2pm (25 places) Fee: £9 Fee £9
Monday 6 March 18. Chelsea Stroll On this walk (grade B), Helen Coleman will take us from the lively Kings Road to the most charming and historic of London's villages. Look out for the famous Chelsea Pensioners, discover the hidden garden where the American cotton industry began, marvel at the structure of the Albert Bridge and view the homes of Sir Thomas More and Thomas Carlyle.
Meet: Outside Sloane Square underground station Time: 11am (25 places) Fee: £9
Monday 6 March 19. The William Morris Society The life, work and ideas of William Morris are as relevant today as they were in his lifetime. The Society, established in 1955, brings together those interested in him as a designer, craftsman, poet, socialist as well as admirers of his robust and generous personality, his creative energy and courage. His ideas on how we live, on creative work, leisure and machinery, on ecology and, on the place of the arts in our lives and in relation to politics, as on 14 much else, remain as challenging now as they were over a century ago. During our tour of Kelmscott House, his London home for the last eighteen years of his life, we shall hear more about him and the work of the Society.
Meet: The Coach House, 26 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA (Note: do not call at Kelmscott House which is a private house) (Nearest underground: Ravenscourt Park then a 20 minutes' walk or Hammersmith then a 15 minutes' walk) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1 hour) (20 places) Fee: £7
The Society's premises are on 2 levels, with a short flight of 6 stairs between the two. Refreshments have been promised.
Wednesday 8 March - Asterisked Event 20*. Hatfields Restoration This is one of the world’s longest established restoration firms, with a history which dates back to 1834 when the original Hatfield family established the company. Initially founded to produce fine miniature frames, the company expanded to include furniture workshops and quickly established its reputation as the leading firm in its field, restoring and conserving furniture and works of art for Royalty, private and museum collections throughout the world. In the 1930s the company proudly noted on its letterhead that it had Warrants from Queen Victoria, The Prince of Wales, King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra and King George V. In 2007 Hatfields took over premises on Clapham High Street. Scholars House is a fine late 18th century building from which the company is developing a range of services that will offer clients a complete ‘one stop shop’ for all their restoration needs. During our tour of the workshops, Richard Lloyd, the Workshop Manager, will tell us more about the company’s history as ‘an outstanding restoration service for all periods of furniture’.
Meet: 26-28 Sidney Road, SW9 0TS (Nearest underground: Clapham North or Clapham Common, then 10 minutes’ walk) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1 hour) (10 places) Fee: £5
There are a lot of stairs to climb during the tour. See alternative date, event 23*.
15
Monday 13 March 21. The Caledonian Club The Club's Charity, the Common Good Fund, was formed in 2001 with the objective being 'to preserve and enhance for the benefit of the public. The Caledonian Club building at 9 Halkin Street and to encourage reasonable public access to view its historic and architectural features, art collection, furniture and artefacts'. During our tour we shall hear more about the history of the Club and its collection of art and artefacts.
Meet: The Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, SW1X 7DR (Nearest underground: Hyde Park Corner) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1½ hours) (25 places) Fee: £5
Refreshments have been promised.
Wednesday 15 March - Asterisked Event 22*. Hatfields Restoration Details as for event 21*, except time. Time: 11am (Likely duration 1 hour) (10 places) Fee: £5
Friday 17 March - Asterisked Event 23*. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel Sir John Betjeman called this Gothic treasure “too beautiful and too romantic to survive” in a world of tower blocks and concrete. After years of devoted restoration, the Hotel is being hailed as London’s most romantic building. Its glorious Gothic Revival metalwork, gold-leaf ceilings, hand- stencilled wall designs and a jaw-dropping grand staircase are as dazzling as on the day Queen Victoria opened the Hotel in 1873. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott to receive travellers through St. Pancras Station, the former Midland Grand Hotel offered its guests a world of grandeur, luxury and fantasy behind its fairy-tale red façade. During our tour we shall hear more about its history.
Meet: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel lobby, Euston Road, NW1 2AR (Nearest underground: King’s Cross/St. Pancras, directly underneath) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1½ hours) (15 places) Fee: £15
16
Sunday 19 March 24. Polonium, Poison and Perfidy The tragic death of Alexander Livenenko in 2006 led to an investigation into the murky world of 21st Century international espionage in the heart of London. The investigation showed Polonium 210 (a rare lethal nuclear material) was used. On his walk (grade B), Dr Barry Walsh will explore the evidence from the Public Enquiry as we weave through the streets of Mayfair where the spies left their trail of radiation in offices and hotels. On the way he will also share the history of this fascinating and fashionable area of London.
Meet: Eros, Piccadilly Circus Time: 10:30am (25 places) Fee: £9 Fee £9
Tuesday 21 March 25. St. Bride Printing Library Opened in 1895 as a technical library, it was from the beginning one of the great collections of the historical literature of printing. Since 1992 it has built on its internationally-recognised position as the world's foremost printing and graphic arts library. During our tour with Journeyman Compositor, Nick Clayton, we shall hear more about its history and the work it does.
Meet: St. Bride Printing Library, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, EC4Y SEE (Nearest underground: Blackfriars or St. Paul's. Buses 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 45, 63, 76, 172 pass nearby) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (20 places) Fee: £10
Thursday 23 March 26. A Woolwich Wander Woolwich is on the up! Andrew Davies will take us to enjoy the magnificent Georgian collection of old Arsenal Buildings, revel in a riverside stroll (grade C), look at the Woolwich Ferry, and admire the Art Deco Cinemas, plus the imposing Town Hall.
Meet: Outside Woolwich DLR Station Time: 11am (Likely duration ¾ hour) (25 places) Fee: £9
17
Saturday 25 March 27. Charlton House This illustrates a phase in the evolution of the English country house, linking the sprawling style of the Tudor age with the compact geometrical character associated with Inigo Jones, The original oak staircase remains, as do many fireplaces and plasterwork ceilings. Built between 1607 and 1612, it remained a private home until 1925 when it became a public museum. With a rich and colourful history, Charlton House boasts striking architecture and beautiful interiors, and we shall hear more about its history during our tour.
Meet: Charlton rail station booking hall (trains from London Bridge) then a 20 minutes' walk Time: 10.40am (Likely duration 1 hour) (25 places) Fee: £3
Monday 27 March 28. Well Covered – A Collector’s Look at Decorated Bookbinding Why are old books interesting and what makes a bookbinding special? Do book collectors actually read their books? Anthony Davis is a collector of bookbindings, mostly British and mostly before 1825. He will talk about his interest and describe how he got started and what makes these books particularly fascinating. There may even be a few books from the collection on display.
Meet: The Art Workers’ Guild, 6 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, WC1N 3AT Time: 2.30pm (Likely duration 1 hour) (90 places) Fee: £9
Tuesday 28 March - Asterisked Event 29*. The Hippodrome Casino It is the UK's largest international-style casino and its busiest. Opened by London Mayor Boris Johnson and Westminster's City Council's Deputy Leader Robert Davis in July 2012, the opening followed a 36-month rebuild and renovation of the former Hippodrome Theatre, and it restored and retained the glorious fabric of this historic building. It offers a mixture of dinner, theatre and gambling as well as holding launches, conferences, events and private parties. During our tour we shall learn more about its history dating back to 1900.
Meet: The Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH (Nearest underground: Leicester Square) Time: 2pm (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (20 places) Fee: £5
18
Wednesday 29 March 30. Crown Court Church Of Scotland It is unique in its history as the 'Kirk of the Crown of Scotland', being the longest-established Presbyterian Church south of the border, dating from 1711. There has been a Scottish Kirk on the present site in Covent Garden since 1719, although the present building was completed in 1909 replacing the original. Crown Court Church takes its title partly from the Union of the Crowns, which took place in 1603, and partly from Crown Court, the name of the site on which it stands. This site was obtained from the Duke of Bedford at a peppercorn rent for the first year and then £14 per year for sixty years. The original building was consecrated as the new Kirk on 24th March 1719. During our tour we shall hear more about its history and learn the answer to what is Presbyterianism.
Meet: Crown Court Church of Scotland, Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5EZ (across the street from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, tucked away in a block of buildings beside the Fortune Theatre. Nearest underground: Covent Garden) Time: 2pm (Likely duration 1 hour) (25 places) Fee: £5
Friday 31 March 31. The Royal Institute of British Architects The Head Office of the RIBA was designed by George Grey Wornum CBE, FRIBA and was the winning entry of a competition open to all British architects. It was completed in November 1934 and opened by King George V and Queen Mary that year. During our tour we shall hear more about the history of the RIBA, and then be free to see the current exhibitions and visit the bookshop.
Meet: RIBA, 66 Portland Place, W1B IAD (Nearest underground: Oxford Circus, Regents Park or Great Portland Street) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (20 places) Fee: £15
Monday 3 April 32. Books and Readers of Literary St. James Walk Come and join a literary tour of St. James and the surrounding streets to discover some of the writers, actors and other bookish personalities who have inhabited this fashionable part of London over the past 300 years. Anthony Davis specialises in book-related walks and will tell stories of
19
Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde and many others and show you the places they visited and worked. Walk grade B.
Meet: In the courtyard of Burlington House, Piccadilly Time: 10.30am (25 places) Fee: £9
Tuesday 4th April 33. F. Cooke's Traditional Pie and Mash In 1862 Robert Cooke was the first person to introduce parsley sauce, ie: "liquor" to pie and mash, and the fourth generation of his family now make the increasingly rare classic East End pies from the original family recipe. We shall have a brief introductory talk about the current family shop, which has featured on television and radio, and in photo shoots, and we can then sample Scotch Beef or Vegetable pie and mash with tea or coffee, which is included in the fee. Fruit pies and jellied eels are also available.
Meet: F. Cooke's Traditional Pie and Mash, 150 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH (Nearest Underground: Old Street then 15 minutes’ walk or Hoxton Overground then 10 minutes' walk) Time: 1pm (Likely duration 1¼ hours) (25 places) Fee: £6
Wednesday 5 April 34. The Heath Robinson Museum William Heath Robinson was an English cartoonist and illustrator, most widely remembered for his wonderful humorous drawings of highly complicated machines performing simple tasks. We shall have a guided tour of the Museum, a registered charity and a £1.3 million beneficiary of the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has been established to conserve and exhibit the collection of his works. The Museum houses over 900 pieces of original artwork, including satirical cartoons from the World Wars, and rare early sketches and advertising commissions.
Meet: The Heath Robinson Museum, West House, Pinner Memorial Park, 50 West End Lane, Pinner, HAS 1AE (Nearest underground: Pinner on the Metropolitan Line then 10 minutes’ walk. A map will be provided) Time: 2pm (Likely duration 2 hours) (15 places) Fee: £8 Fee
Please state if you were booked on the tour on Oct 19th which had to be re-scheduled and could not make the new time, as you will be given priority. There is a cafe on site.
20
Tuesday 11 April 35. Government Art Collection This is primarily a working collection of over 13,000 works of art which are selected for display in Government buildings including 10 Downing Street and Ministerial Offices in the UK, and the Reception areas of British Embassies and Residencies in nearly every capital city across the globe. We shall have a tour of the Central London premises with the opportunity to see a selection from the Collection.
Meet: Government Art Collection, 4th Floor Queens Yard, 179a Tottenham Court Road WIT 7PA (Nearest underground: Goodge Street then 5 minutes' walk) Time: 6pm (Likely duration 1 hour) (20 places) Fee: £1
Tuesday 11 April 36. The Great Fire of London, 1666 - Its progress and consequences Alan MacDougall will take us on a walk (grade B) following the progress of the fire day-by-day during September 1666, stopping at points where eye witnesses painted a picture of the horror of the event. It will include the background to the events, problems and the actions that were faced (inter alia political, legal and social) in tackling the fire and its consequences for London and its inhabitants at the time and during its reconstruction.
Meet: Monument underground station Time: 2pm (25 places) Fee: £9
This event will be repeated on Thursday 22 June 2017.
Friday 14 April - Asterisked Event 37*. Messiah on Good Friday The Royal Choral Society has performed Handel's Messiah on Good Friday afternoon at the Royal Albert Hall every year since 1876. This annual concert is one of London's great Easter traditions and the perfect way to spend Good Friday afternoon. The 2017 performance of Britain's favourite choral masterpiece will be conducted by Richard Cooke, and the choir will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and joined by a
21 quartet of superb soloists. It is thought that the Royal Choral Society, the choir that was formed for the opening of the Hall in 1871, has sung Handel's magnificent Messiah more than any other choir - estimated as around 280 times.
Meet: Door 4, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (Nearest underground: South Kensington then 15 minutes' walk) Time: 2pm for 2.30pm perf (Likely duration 2 hours) (15 places) Fee: £27
Wednesday 19 April 38. A Stroll along the Embankment The Embankments were built by Joseph Bazalgette to solve the problem of London's sewage but above ground, on the Victoria Embankment, is a series of charming gardens with statues and memorials to famous people of all descriptions. On his walk (grade B), Ian Bevan will take us through these gardens to discover their hidden histories.
Meet: Opposite the ticket barriers at Westminster underground, at the bottom of the staircase to Exit 4 Time: 11am (Likely duration 2 hours) (25 places) Fee: £9
Thursday 20th April 39. Bethlem Museum of the Mind This Royal Hospital was founded in 1247 and was the first institution in the UK to specialise in the care of the mentally ill. The hospital continues to provide in-patient care as part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and has been based in south London since 1930. Situated within the hospital grounds, in a stunning Art Deco building shared with the Bethlem Gallery, Bethlem Museum of the Mind was formally opened by artist Grayson Perry in March 2015. The museum houses an internationally renowned collection of archives, art and historic objects relating to the history of mental health care and treatment dating back to 1555. Among the objects on display are metal and textile restraints, patient portraits from the 1850s, the statues Raving and Melancholy Madness by Caius Gabriel Gibber and an art collection of around 1,000 works. We shall have an introductory talk about the history of the hospital and museum before independently viewing the exhibits.
22
Meet: In the foyer, Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BX (Nearest train stations: Eden Park (30 mins from London Bridge) followed by a 15 minutes’ walk, or 356 bus towards Shirley, or East Croydon (15 mins from London Victoria) followed by 119 bus towards Bromley or 198 towards Shrublands) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1½ hours) (35 places) Fee: £5
Sunday 23 April 40. St. George’s Day Lunch at the Sherlock Holmes We shall celebrate St. George’s Day with a roast beef and apple pie lunch at this traditional pub containing Holmes-themed memorabilia.
Meet: Sherlock Holmes pub, 10 Northumberland Street, St James's, WC2N 5DB (Nearest underground: Charing Cross then 2 minutes' walk) Time: 1pm (Likely duration 1½ hours) (30 places) Fee: £22
Monday 24 April 41. A Walk around Bloomsbury Bloomsbury is home to internationally renowned institutions such as the British Museum, University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, but is also famous for its rich cultural and literary past. This walk (grade B) with Gillian Blachford will take us through a number of Bloomsbury's fine squares where we shall discover how this quarter of London came to have such a distinctive character, and learn more about some of the philanthropists, intellectuals, poets, writers and many others who left their mark on this fascinating area.
Meet: Outside Russell Square underground station Time: 11am (Likely duration 1½ - 2 hours) (25 places) Fee: £9
Tuesday 25 April 42. Cutty Sark Tour We shall have a guided tour of this legendary sole surviving tea clipper, which visited nearly every port in the world, and which is listed by National Historic Ships as part of the National Historic Fleet (the nautical equivalent of a Grade 1 Listed Building). She was built on the Clyde in 1869 to carry tea back from China and was one of the last, and fastest, tea clippers to be built, coming at the end of a long period of design development which halted 23 as sailing ships gave way to steam propulsion. In 1954 she was placed in dry dock in Greenwich, serving as a unique example of breathtaking ship design and as a symbol of Britain's proud maritime heritage.
Meet: Outside the shop side of the Cutty Sark (Gipsy Moth Pub side), King William Walk, SE10 9HT (Nearest station: Cutty Sark on Dockland Light Railway then 3 minutes' walk or Greenwich Rail Station then 10 minutes' walk) Time: 2pm (Likely duration 1 hour) (15 places) Fee: £20
Wednesday 26 April 43. Cadogan Place South Gardens We shall have an introduction to the many surprises and unusual trees and shrubs which are hidden behind the railings of this large London Square, the first to be developed by architect Henry Holland for Lord Cadogan at the end of the 18th Century. It was then called the London Botanic Gardens. There is a water garden, the mulberry trees are said to be over 300 years old and the cherry trees, magnolias and bulbs are outstanding in the spring, when the fern garden is unfurling. In the centre of the garden is the award winning Hans Sloane Garden which was exhibited at the 2005 Chelsea Flower Show.
Meet: The garden gate opposite 97 Sloane Street, SW1X 9PE (Nearest underground: Sloane Square then 10 minutes' walk) Time: 2pm (Likely duration 1½ hours) (25 places) Fee: £4 Fee
Repeat of Event 32 on 27th April 2016.
Thursday 27 April 44. A Soho Saunter Despite changes, Soho retains its original street pattern, nooks, crannies and creative juices, Chinatown, the birth of Television, the Windmill Theatre, Tin Pan Alley, the birthplace of rock’n’roll and an Art Deco car Park. Andrew Davies will show us all this and more on his grade C walk.
Meet: Leicester Square underground (Hippodrome exit) Time: 11am (25 Places) Fee: £9
Friday 28 April 45. Severndroog Castle We shall have a talk and tour of the Castle, a folly situated in Oxleas Wood and designed by architect Richard Jupp, with the first stone laid on 2 April 24
1784. It was built to commemorate Commodore Sir William James who, in April 1755, attacked and destroyed the island fortress of Suvarnadurg (then rendered in English ‘Severndroog’) of the Maratha Empire on the western coast of India. James died in 1783 and the castle was built as a memorial to him by his widow. Designated a Grade II* listed building in 1954 the Gothic-style castle is 63 feet high and triangular in section, with a hexagonal turret at each corner. From its elevated position, it offers views across London, with features in seven different counties visible on a clear day. In 2004, it featured in the BBC TV series Restoration with the aim of gaining support for a programme of work to restore the building and open it to the public, an aim which was achieved on 20 July 2014 with the aid of a £595,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
Meet: Castlewood Tea Room, Ground Floor, Severndroog Castle, Castle Wood, Shooters Hill, SE18 3RT (Nearest underground: North Greenwich on Jubilee Line then 486 bus, alighting at the Memorial Hospital; or Docklands Light Railway to Woolwich Arsenal, then the 244 bus alighting at the Memorial Hospital) Time: 11am (Likely duration 30 minutes) (30 places) Fee: £5
Wednesday 3 May 46. Great Fires Walk Blue Badge Guide, Tim Kidd will take us on a walk (grade C) showing where some of the other terrible fires occurred in London but failed to destroy it as did that of 1666 which devastated such vast areas and he will point out some of the fine monuments to firefighters.
Meet: Monument underground, Fish Street Hill exit Time: 11am (25 places) Fee: £9
Thursday 4 May - Asterisked event 47*. The Garrick This famous club was founded in 1831 and named after the great l8th century actor, David Garrick. It possesses a remarkable collection of theatrical paintings and memorabilia. Frances Hughes, an expert in art and theatre history, will show us round and point out the highlights in all the main rooms. Coffee will be served in the Morning Room and the tour ends in the Library which houses a rich historical collection.
Meet: Outside the Garrick Club, 15 Garrick Street, London, WC2E 9AY (Nearest underground: Covent Garden or Leicester Square) Time: 9.50am for a 10am tour (Likely duration 2 hours) (25 places) Fee: £15
25
Tuesday May 9 - Asterisked event 48*. Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising Mr. Robert Opie has collected an amazing selection of packaging materials, magazines, song sheets, souvenirs etc, for most of his life. His first museum was opened in 1984 in an old warehouse in Gloucester. In 2006, the collection moved to Colville Mews near Portobello Road. In October last year, the museum moved to its new and spacious home. The collection is both nostalgic and informative and provides a reunion with the past from Victorian times to the present day. We shall be given a 20 minute introductory talk about the museum. Members will then be free to spend as much time as they wish viewing the amazing collection of artefacts.
Meet: At the Museum, 111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 1OJ (Nearest underground: Ladbroke Grove. Exit right from the station then first right into Lancaster Road. The museum is 5 minutes’ walk on the left hand side) Time: 11am (20 places) Fee: £11
Wednesday 10 May - Asterisked event 49A*. Hand and Lock Embroidery Studio Hand and Lock is an embroidery company that in 2001 fused two great long- established embroidery businesses. In 1767 Goldlacemen called "Hand", originally Huguenot refugees from Flanders, added embroidery to their range of laces, cords and braids. Their skills came from the entourage of Catherine de Medici when she married into the French Court in the 16th century. In 1898 C.E. Phipps & Co. began an embroidery business which was joined in 1956 by a brilliant young designer Samuel Lock, after whom the company was re-named. The company reached new heights throughout the next 45 years working with couturiers including Christian Dior, Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies. A Royal Warrant was awarded and Royal commissions have included Princess Anne's wedding ensemble. We shall have a guided tour of the Hand and Lock atelier, one of the oldest workrooms still in activity today, which contains an archive of embroidered work dating back to 1790. During our tour we shall see the specialised embroiderers working on actual projects. You will be shown stunning pieces and samples that have been provided for the fashion industry and the theatre, as well as examples of Diplomatic and Military Court dress.
Meet: Hand and Lock Embroidery Studio, 86 Margaret Street, W1W 8TE (Nearest underground: Oxford Circus) Time: 10am (Likely duration 1 hour) (12 places) Fee: £13 (incl refreshments)
Refreshments have been promised.
26
Wednesday 10 May - Asterisked event 49B*. Hand and Lock Embroidery Studio Details as for event 49A* except time.
Time: 12.30pm
Please state if you can go to either and then kindly adhere to that allocated.
Monday 15 May 50. Tour of Tate Modern This famous Art Gallery in Bankside was opened in 2000 and houses the 20th and 21st Century Art Collection. It has attracted 40 million visitors since then. We will see the new 2016 extension by Herzog and De Meuron and witness the spectacular views from the top storey. Be prepared to be stimulated by the latest installations and works of contemporary art. The recent innovative rehang of the collection features 40% of works by women. On this grade c walk, Dr Barry Walsh will take us around to see the highlights of the collection.
Meet: Inside Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, Bankside Time: 10:30am (25 places) Fee: £9 Fee £9
Wednesday 17 May 51. The Varied Story of Notting Hill If you have not already seen the film it might add to the enjoyment of this walk (grade B) to do so, as Helen Coleman will show you the set and that bookshop plus much more of this interesting area. See its elegant squares, the route of the colourful Carnival, wander through the famous market, see where "the Sport of Kings" was enjoyed and learn about the area's theatrical tradition.
Meet: Notting Hill underground, exit 2 Time: 11am (25 places) Fee: £9
Wednesday 31 May 52. Hill Garden and the Pergola The Hill Garden is a true secret garden, hidden away on Hampstead Heath with its magnificent Grade 2 listed Pergola as its centrepiece. It was the work of Lord Leverhulme in the early 20th century. He was creating a house and garden fit for lavish Edwardian entertainment. This walk (grade A), led 27 by City of London guide Gillian Blachford, will take you to all parts of the garden and she will tell you the chequered history from its early extravagant days to recent restoration by the City of London Corporation.
Meet: At the flagstaff, Whitestone Pond, Heath Street, Hampstead. (Nearest underground: Hampstead, then 10 minutes’ walk up hill) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1½ to 2 hours) (20 places) Fee: £9
Please note that there are no toilets in the vicinity. Repeat of visit 2 June 2016.
Friday 2 June 53. Forman's Smokery This was founded in 1905 by Harris Forman, the great grandfather of the present owner, Lance Forman. In 2002 the company launched Forman & Field, a national home delivery service for private customers around the U.K. Lance Forman has commented "Many believe salmon smoking began in Scotland, whereas families such as mine brought the art to London from Eastern Europe". Our visit will begin with an introductory talk, followed by a guided tour of the Smokery and a demonstration of carving a salmon. The visit will end with lunch (included in the price) consisting of smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels.
Meet: Hackney Wick overground station, then a 15 minutes’ walk. Time: 10.45am for 11am tour (Likely duration 3 hours) (30 places) Fee: £38
Friday 2 June 54. Annual General Meeting Agenda: to receive apologies for absence, to receive and approve the minutes of the AGM held on 26 September 2016, to receive the Chairman’s, Treasurer’s and Registrar’s Reports, to receive and approve the Accounts for 2016, to elect the Officers and Committee, to appoint an Auditor or an Independent Examiner, and consider any other business. Any motion or item for the agenda must be submitted to the Secretary in writing no later than Monday 8 May. Nominations for election must reach the Secretary by Monday 22 May. After the main business of the AGM, John Mann will give a short talk on the history of the London Appreciation Society.
Meet: The Art Workers Guild, 6 Queens Square, Bloomsbury, WC1N 3AT Time: 2.15pm for 2.30pm start. No fee, but please book if you intend to come.
Tea and biscuits will be served.
28
Thursday 8 June 55. Marble Hill House We shall be encouraged to imagine the lavish lifestyle and entertaining that took place within the extravagant gilded rooms in the House. During our tour we shall see the Thames-side retreat of Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II, and learn about the history of this magnificent Palladian villa and his famous guests.
Meet: Marble Hill House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL (Nearest underground: Richmond. Nearest Overground: Richmond and Twickenham) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1¼ Hours) (25 places) Fee: £3
There is a cafe within the grounds.
Thursday 8 June 56. A Rotherhithe Ramble On his Grade C walk, Andrew Davies will show us an unexpected delight, the village of Rotherhithe. This comes complete with Georgian Church, An old Watch House, vicarage, Mayflower connections and fabulous river views, plus the Norwegian Church and Brunel’s Tunnel.
Meet: Outside Rotherhithe underground station Time: 11am (25 places) Fee: £9
Thursday 8 June - Asterisked Event 57*. The Tower Bridge Experience On our Private Evening Guided Tour we shall learn about the colourful history of the Bridge from Victorian times to the present day. Our tour will take us from the high-level walkways to the atmospheric steam Engine Rooms underneath the Bridge. Our guide will be able to supplement the presentation with more detailed information about Tower Bridge's history and points of interest. Currently the Bridge is raised just over 900 times a year.
Meet: North west tower entrance, Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP (Nearest underground: Tower Hill, or DLR to Tower Gateway) Time: 6.15pm for 6.30pm tour (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (20 places) Fee: £22
There are steps to the Engine Rooms underneath the Bridge. The tour can be cancelled and this will not be confirmed until one week before the date of the visit.
29
Saturday 10th June - Asterisked Event 58A*. Linley David Linley began his business in 1985 with the intention of designing and manufacturing furniture of the highest quality. The company now enjoys prominence as both a retail and bespoke business specialising in furniture, upholstery, lighting and accessories of a superlative quality. Linley has become known for its imaginative use of wood in the design of furniture, and in particular marquetry. In 1985, Sir Roy Strong commented that 'David Linley's furniture will become the antiques of the future'.
Meet: Linley, 60 Pimlico Road, SW1P 8LP (Nearest underground: Sloane Square) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1 hour) (15 places) Fee: £4
Saturday 10th June - Asterisked Event 58B*. Linley Details as for event 58A*, except time.
Time: 3pm
Please state if you can go at either time but you must adhere to that which you are allocated. If you were booked on the tour on 10th June which was cancelled please say so to get priority this time.
Tuesday 13 June - Asterisked Event 59*. The House of Dreams Museum This is a life project being assembled by artist Stephen Wright. During our tour with him, we shall hear more about its history, and there will also be a viewing of a short BBC film made using archive film going back from 1998 up to the present day.
Meet: The House of Dreams Museum, 45 Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich, SE22 8RG (Nearest main line station: East Dulwich. Trains from London Bridge, then a 5 minutes' walk) Time: 2pm (Likely duration 1¼ hours) (12 places) Fee: £8
Refreshments have been promised.
30
Wednesday 14 June 60. Strolling through the Temple In the company of City Guide Brenda Cole, we shall take a leisurely stroll (grade B) through the Inner and Middle Temple, two of London’s famous Inns of Court. Both can trace their history back to the 12th century when the area became the London quarters of the Knights Templar. On the way we shall hear the story of the Templars and how lawyers came to occupy and eventually own the land and buildings. We shall also learn why these establishments are called “Inns” and their function in the modem legal world. Connections with several well-known literary figures will be revealed and the historic gardens should be at their midsummer best.
Meet: Temple Underground Station (The walk finishes in or near Fleet Street) Time: 11.30am (Likely duration 1½ hours) (25 places) Fee: £9
Thursday 15 June 61. All Hallows By The Tower It is the oldest church in the City of London, and has a rich history which is still demonstrated today in its Grade 1 listed building. The Saxon Abbey of Barking founded the church in 675AD, and an arch from the original church remains. Beneath the arch is a Roman pavement, discovered in 1926, evidence of city life on this site for the best part of two thousand years. It has dealt with numerous beheaded bodies including Thomas More, John Fisher and Archbishop Laud. The church survived during the Great Fire of London in 1666 through the efforts of Admiral Penn. His father, William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, was baptised in the church and educated in the schoolroom. In 1940 the church was bombed and only the tower and walls remained, but the late Queen Mother laid a new foundation stone in 1948. The vicar at the time was Tubby Clayton, founder of Toc H. All Hallows is also the church of H.M. Revenue and Customs.
Meet: All Hallows By The Tower, Byward Street, EC3R 5BJ (Nearest underground: Tower Hill or DLR Tower Gateway) Time: 2.15pm (Likely duration 1 hour) (30 places) Fee: £5
Saturday 17 June- Asterisked Event 62*. The Worshipful Company of Skinners The first skinners lived in the same areas of London, namely around Spital and in the area between Cheap and the river Walbrook, and they worshipped
31 at the same churches. The part religious, part secular fraternities of men involved in the fur trade, eventually came together in one guild dedicated to Corpus Christi, which became the Skinners' Company. They obtained one of the first charters, from Edward III in 1327, and a handwritten 17th century copy is still in the possession of the Company. During our tour of Skinners' Hall with the Beadle, Mervyn Bassett, we shall hear more about the Company's history and how it is involved in running schools, almshouses and charities.
Meet: Skinners' Hall, 8 Dowgate Hill, EC4R 2SP (Nearest underground: Cannon Street) Time: 2.30pm (Likely duration 1 hour) (25 places) Fee: £8
Monday 19 June 63. Royal Air Force Museum Historic Hangars, listed buildings that were once a part of the old Hendon Aerodrome, contain four separate exhibitions each telling a different story about the RAF and its aircraft. During our guided tour we shall soar through the history of aviation from balloons to the Eurofighter, and see a world- class collection of over ninety aircraft.
Meet: Royal Air Force Museum, Grahame Park Way, Hendon, NW9 5LL (Nearest underground and rail stations: Colindale or Thameslink to Mill Hill Broadway. 303 Bus passes the door) Time: 11am (Likely duration 2 hours) (24 places) Fee: £25
There is a café in the Museum.
Thursday 22 June 64. The Great Fire of London, 1666 - Its progress and consequences Alan MacDougall will take us on a walk (grade B) following the progress of the fire day-by-day during September 1666, stopping at points where eye witnesses painted a picture of the horror of the event. It will include the background to the events, problems and the actions that were faced [inter alia political, legal and social] in tackling the fire and its consequences for London and its inhabitants at the time and during its reconstruction.
Meet: Monument underground Time: 2pm (25 places) Fee: £9
This is a repeat of the walk Tuesday 11 April 2017.
32
Friday 23 June – Asterisked Event 65*. Asylum This fascinating company has been established for over twenty years, and is known for its world-class model-making and special effects. During our tour we shall hear about the work done by a professional team of individuals with wide-ranging skills in engineering, costume design, animatronics, model- making, sculpture and 3D printing.
Meet: Earlsfield station booking hall, then a 15 minutes' walk Time: 1.45pm (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (15 places) Fee: £7
Sunday 25th June 66. Royal Medicine - Monarchs Matrons and Maladies It is fascinating to study what the monarchs of Britain suffered from and died of over the centuries. Dr Barry Walsh will take us on a tour (grade B) of Westminster and share some of the fascinating stories of Royal Deaths, operations and treatments as we weave through Westminster, the Mall and end in Whitehall. We will hear about Queen Victoria's relationship with her devoted physician Dr Reid and other doctors. We will hear about the The Royal Touch to treat scrofula providing a fascinating insight into Court Ritual and kingship in the Stuart Dynasty.
Meet: St James’s Park Station, Broadway exit Time: 2:30pm (25 places) Fee: £9 Fee £9
Monday 26 June - Asterisked Event 67A*. Steinway & Sons, UK Since its foundation in New York in 1853, the company of Steinway & Sons has been setting the standard of excellence in the manufacture of upright and grand pianos. For the company founder, Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, the driving goal was to create the 'best possible piano'. Even in our technological age, people and not machines carry out 80% of all production work by hand, and it takes almost three years before a Steinway is ready to leave the factory. During our tour with David Widdicombe, Technical Manager, we shall hear more about the history of the company and about the Steinway tradition of mastery and handcrafting of their pianos.
Meet: Steinway & Sons, Steinway Hall, 44 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2DB (Nearest underground: Bond Street or Marble Arch) Time: 11am (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (20 places) Fee: £5
33
Monday 26 June - Asterisked Event 67B*. Steinway & Sons, UK Details as for event 67A*, except time.
Time: 2pm
Please state if you can go at either time but you must adhere to that which you are allocated.
Wednesday 28 June 68. Stephens House and Gardens In 1859 the Rev. Edward Cooper built a villa, which later became known as Avenue House. It was bought in 1874 by Henry Charles (Inky) Stephens, son of the inventor of the famous blue-black ink. During our tour we shall be able to see a small exhibition of memorabilia provided by the Stephens Collection. If the weather is fine, we shall be able to walk through the grounds. The trees are a special feature with a wide range of species, some very rare.
Meet: Finchley Central underground booking hall, then a 10 minutes' walk Time: 10:50am (Likely duration 2 hours) (20 places) Fee: £7
There are a lot of stairs and the House is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Thursday 29 June 69. The Steam Tug ‘Portwey’ It was launched at Harland & Wolff’s yard at Govan, Glasgow in 1927. She is the last working example of a coal-burning, steam-powered, twin-screw tug in the UK, and possibly the world. By 1967 coal-fired steam vessels were being replaced by diesel-engined working ships and Portwey was laid up to be scrapped. She was bought by the assistant harbour master at Dartmouth, and he and a group of friends returned the Portwey to steaming condition. In 1982 she joined the Maritime Trust's Historic Ship Collection at St. Katharine's Dock near Tower Bridge, and in 1988 won the marine category of the British Coal Steam Heritage award. The Steam Tug Portwey is a remarkable survivor. During our tour we shall hear more about its history. 34
Meet: DLR South Quay station (then 15 minutes' walk to the vessel) Time: 11.15am for 11.30am start (Likely duration 1-1½ hours) (24 places) Fee: £5
Refreshments have been promised. There is a ladder to climb to the Wheelhouse and 3 Steep Companionways into the two cabins and the engine and Boiler room. Best clothes are to be avoided because of coal dust.
LAS WALKERS 2017
Just four or five more walks and we will have circled London on the LOOP, the London Outer Orbital Path. Late news about rail closures forced us to cancel one month’s walk and continuing weekend closures mean we have not been able to do all the walks in sequence.
Despite these hiccups we are in good spirits and aim to complete the LOOP in May. We shall be walking on the last Saturday in each month, so please set aside 28 January, 25 February, 25 March, 29 April and 27 May. We usually meet at a station at 10.30, break for lunch and aim to finish at another station by mid afternoon.
Each walk is self-contained and new members are always welcome. Do join us. You will get clear notes about the arrangements for each walk, we’re a friendly group, the walks are easy paced, and you’ll be agreeably surprised how lovely outer London is.
For further details please contact: John and Margaret Mann 109 Chatsworth Road London NW2 4BH
(020) 8459 5419 [email protected]
35
SOME LONDON EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS YOU MAY LIKE TO ATTEND
You may meet kindred spirits if you go to an event in good time and carry your Blue Book prominently. For some events the exact dates or times were not available when we went to press, but whenever possible these notes include contact telephone numbers or email addresses where you may be able to get up to date information.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS Until 31 March 2017 Londinium AD 43: Guildhall Library Roman London
Until 17 April 2017: ‘Fire Fire’ Experience the Great Fire of 1666: Museum of London Admission charges can be as little as £8 for concessions.
Until 17 April 2017: Emma Hamilton: National Maritime Museum Seduction and Celebrity.
Until 7 May 2017: So that they may be Useful to Themselves: Foundling Museum The hospital’s work with disabled children.
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS Inside the Arsenal Greenwich Heritage Centre; Artillery Square, Woolwich Interactive Model of Central London Building Centre 66 Store Street WC1E 7BT And other fascinating temporary exhibitions too.
The world’s largest city museum: Museum of London
The City of London’s own museum: Guildhall
EVENTS New Year’s Eve Fireworks at London Eye: Jubilee Gardens From 7.30pm. Tickets £10 each from www.london.gov.uk/nye.
1 January: New Year’s Day Parade: Ritz Hotel to Parliament Square 12noon: 10,000 performers go from Piccadilly’s Ritz Hotel via Regent Street and Whitehall to finish in Parliament Square at 3.15 pm. Details from 020 3275 6190, or [email protected].
January London International Ice Festival: Jubilee Gardens Canary Wharf Details later from www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk.
9 January-4 February: London Mime Festival Look out for events at venues across London.
28 January: Chinese New Year The Year of the Rooster Parades, performances and stalls in Trafalgar Square and Chinatown.
29 January: Charles I Commemoration 500 members of the King’s Army, part of the English Civil War Society, meet at Marlborough Gate in the Mall before processing soon after 11am along the Mall and across Horse Guards to Banqueting House in Whitehall. After a short service a wreath is laid and the troops march back with flags unfurled and muskets raised. Details from: www.englishcivil-war-society.corg.uk.
36
31 January: Trial of the Pyx Each year the Royal Mint submits 50.000 coins for testing and approval by the Goldsmith’s Company. The Queen’s Remembrancer, a senior judge, presides over a formal ceremony which members of the public may attend. Visitors hear what is going on and may inspect the samples. Admission by ticket only, from The Clerk, Goldsmith’s Hall, Foster Lane London EC2V6BN. Phone 020 7606 7010 or email [email protected].
5 February: Joseph Grimaldi Memorial Service Clowns International annual service at 3pm at Holy Trinity Church, Beechwood Road, Dalston E8 3DY. Clowns wear full motley and slap. Members of the public are welcome, with free performances after the service. Phone 020 7254 5062 to confirm date and time
February: Commemoration of Sir John Cass: Red Feather Day A thanksgiving service is held at 11.30am at St Botolph without Aldgate. The pupils of Sir John Cass School go wearing a red feather and everyone who attends is given a red feather in honour of Sir John Cass who founded the school. Phone the Sir John Cass Foundation 929 7480 5584 or email [email protected] to confirm date and time.
6 February: Gun Salutes on Accession Day The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery make a mounted charge through Hyde Park and fire a 41 gun salute at 12noon, and the Honourable Artillery Company fire a 62 gun salute at the Tower of London at 1 pm, to celebrate the Queen’s Accession. There are well marked viewing areas in Hyde Park and by the Thames in front of the Tower. There are also gun salutes on 21 April (the Queen’s birthday), 2 June (Coronation Day), 10 June (the Duke of Edinburgh’s birthday) 18 June (the Queen’s official birthday), 8 November (Remembrance Sunday), and 14 November (the Prince of Wales’ birthday).
28 February: Shrove Tuesday The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race takes place in Dray Walk. Teams of four compete from 12.30pm, the prize a beautifully engraved frying pan. Phone 020 7375 0441 or email [email protected] for more details. Full details of pancakes at various venues across London from www.timeout.com/londonthings-to-do.
16 March: Oranges and Lemons, St Clement Danes Church, Strand A service at 11am is open to the public, The Chaplain in Chief to the RAF and the Resident Chaplain hand oranges and lemons to the pupils of St Clement Danes Primary School. More details from the Head Verger 020 7242 8282.
17 March: St Patrick’s Festival: all day in Trafalgar Square Look out for events throughout the week.
25 March: Head of the River Race Hundreds of eight-man boats race in procession from Putney to Mortlake. The winner is the boat which finishes in the shortest time. Subject to tides the race starts at 11am. Watch from Chiswick, Barnes or Hammersmith bridges, or from the riverside, or through a cosy pub window. Nearest stations are Chiswick and Mortlake. More from [email protected].
2 April: Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race All over in 20 minutes but you can join the watching crowds at Putney Bridge, Bishop’s Park, Craven Cottage, Hammersmith, Barnes,Duke’s Meadows or Chiswick Bridge.
14 April: Good Friday: Distribution of the Butterworth Charity After a short service at 11am at St Bartholomew the Great, hot cross buns are distributed in memory of Sir Joseph Butterworth who left money for the widows of the parish. 37
14-17 April: International Canoe Race Devizes to Westminster: watch the final stages form the riverside.
April: Easter Egg Hunts Details are not available yet, but look out for egg hunts at National Trust Houses and places like the Design Centre, Kensington Roof Gardens, Kensington Palace Gardens, Kew Gardens. Take your grandchildren and your wallet.
23 April: St George’s Day, celebrate in Trafalgar Square
23 April London Marathon More details from: www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com.
Late April: Annual Inspection of the King’s Troop RHA Since the Troop was re-housed in purpose built accommodation at Woolwich the spectacular annual inspection has taken place in Charlton Park instead of Regent’s Park.
Late April: Annual Inspection of the Household Cavalry, Hyde Park See the Life Guards and the Blues and the Royals with their mounted bands parade in full dress for their annual inspection. The inspection and gallop last about half an hour. More details about the date and time from the Adjutant, Household Cavalry 020 7414 2501.
14 May: Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Parade, Broad Walk Hyde Park After a parade in Broad Walk there is a service at 11am at the Cavalry Memorial.
17-20 May Museums at Night Details of special events at national and local museums from www.musemsatnight.org.uk.
23-27 May: Chelsea Flower Show: RHS Royal Hospital Road Chelsea SW3 4SR Tickets and more details from 0207 881 5204 or [email protected].
25 May: Ascension Day: Beating of the Bounds Many City Churches mark Ascension Day by beating the parish bounds. More details from the City Information Office 020 7606 3030 or email [email protected].
17 June: Trooping the Colour, Royal Horse Guards Parade Marks the Queen’s Official Birthday. Apply for tickets in January or February. More information from www.royal.gov.uk. Rehearsals on previous two Saturdays; 28 May and 4 June.
17-18 June: Open Garden Squares Weekend 200 gardens will be open. Details from www.opensquares.org.
June-July: City of London Festival Details early 2017 on 0845 120 7502 or [email protected].
June: Spitalfields Music Festival Details from 0207 377 0287 or google “Spitalfields Music Festival”.
June-July: Greenwich and Docklands International Festival Free open air spectaculars at various venues Details from [email protected].
38
July: Cart Marking Ceremony Guildhall A cavalcade of about 60 vehicles assembles in the streets round Guildhall before moving into Guildhall Yard at 11am. The Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen then marks each vehicle ceremonially in the presence of the Lord Mayor and other dignitaries. Details later from www.thecarmen.co.uk.
FOR UP TO DATE NEWS ON EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES www.londontown.com/LondonEvents: up to date information on a wide range of events www.visitLondon.com: the official guide to what’s on www.cityevents.co.uk: details of recitals and concerts in City of London churches www.london-footprints.co.uk: details of over 60 walks in and around London www.ianvisits.co.uk: a free weekly list of things to do in London
39
40
41