150 Years of the Underground - Gresham Lecture

English: "Underground; the moving spirit of London", Published by Underground Electric Railway Company Ltd, 1910, Printed by T R Way and Company Ltd, 1910 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The London Underground Electric Railway Company Ltd published this poster in 1924 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MissB is going to the Gresham Lecture this afternoon to hear all about Art of the Underground.

http://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/the-art-of-the-underground-150-years-of-re-designing-london   Within 24 hours you will be able to download or read the lecture on this website.

English Heritage to stop Blue Plaques

English: Blue plaque to Jimi Hendrix on his house at 23 Brook Street, London, England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Government cuts and less funding for English Heritage means further Blue plaques are on hold. 

There seems to be a mixed reaction about this among the Guiding fraternity, some find them to be a blot on a great building, others love them as recognition of some people and/or buildings that may not otherwise be noticed. 

However, I feel the conclusion is that if people want to commemorate someone or something generally people power takes over, monies are raised and the job done!

Also English Heritage have not ruled out the situation changing as funds become available.







http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/bluePlaques/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2013/jan/06/blue-plaques-cut-government-funding

http://www.cityrangerwalks.com/blueplaques.htm

Christmas Crackers with Peter Berthoud

Had to blow the dust of my blog keyboard. It has taken an age to get back to it, although I have lots to to tell you and exciting news to share!

Firstly my excellent early morning excursion on Christmas Morning with Discovering London.
http://www.peterberthoud.co.uk/

My learner driver son drove us through the deserted streets from Wimbledon to Embankment! A steady stately drive ensured we arrived safely to meet up with Peter and a cheery group of early morning revellers under Admiralty Arch for 6 a.m!

Crackers were pulled and paper hats put on with a shot of Baileys to keep out the early morning chill.  It was eerie seeing the metropolis so cool, calm and quiet.

The visit to the 'Duke of Cambridge' monument outside Horse Guards, complete with a real nose bag and real straw for the horse, I won’t tell you why as it is a spoiler!  No naked rider I hasten to add, was a taste of interesting and unusual topics to come! 

Beneath the Pillars of Hercules towards Charing X Road

The rain changed from a drizzle to a downpour but our spirits were not dampened, the Bailey's and Quality Street saw to that, plus Peter's great stories. From Christmas trees to giant letterboxes, secret drinking holes (hope I can find them again!), to silent Oxford and Regent Street. To a policeman in Santa Claus outfit jumping out of his vehicle and running amok at Piccadilly Circus!  My particular favourite spot was under the Pillars of Hercules, for that Dore engraving moment, where we sheltered from the rain.

Ended with a hot cups of coffee and a full English at a Café off Leicester Square.

Highly recommend this Christmas madness, set us up for the day, returned home to snuggle under rugs in front of the telly with hot mince pies and steaming cups of coffee!

Oxford Street (East)

Regent Street corner of Oxford Circus

Carnaby Street

Fortnum & Mason - City of London Lord Mayor Theme!