View from my seat - High Cup Nick

 

I came back Saturday from a fortnight holiday in the Pennines walking and sightseeing with Gill. Picture is from a solo "there and back" 8 mile walk along the Pennine way from Dufton to High Cup Nick. A fantastic walk with superb views. 

Off message but love this picture.

Check out Pathfinder Guide 39. Orange Walk 26. https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/durham-north-pennines-and-tyne-wear-pathfinder-walks-guidebook/

Campaigning for Labour Candidate Keir Cozens in Great Yarmouth

This Saturday and Sunday, Gill and I were in Great Yarmouth to canvass and leaflet for Keir. The train cost only £45 for the two of us (with railcard) return. We stayed in a cheap & cheerful B&B near Britannia Pier. I have been working off and on in Norfolk supporting UNISON members since 2007 (my LGPS pension is looked after by the Norfolk pension fund). Great Yarmouth, also always reminds me of living in Colwyn Bay, North Wales as a boy.

Keir and his team were super friendly and welcoming. A well organised office, refreshments, no waiting around or confusion. On Saturday afternoon I went to a small village with a canvass team and enjoyed some decent political conversations (and ice creams!).  The weather was warm and sunny. 

Sunday, was unexpectedly damp and I had to buy a new cagoule on way to 10.30 start. This time I went with a team to an adjacent resort, while Gill delivered leaflets. Our star team member was Labour attack dog, Aubrey (see photo top right).  Again some more good political conversations including a UNISON local government member who was very supportive. 

There was difficult conversations as well. A few residents were disenchanted with all parties, many said they have never been door knocked before and were somewhat pleased we were there to speak to them, despite the rain. One resident however, demanded a "dry" leaflet but at that stage they were all pretty soggy. Overall though, another positive canvass. 

In the afternoon I helped Gill finish off her leaflet round. It was along the coast and there was a band playing in the distance and glorious views over the beach. We were dropped off and picked up promptly when we finished. Canvassing was halted at 4pm for the England Euros game. 

If at all possible, London Labour supporters should get themselves out of London in the next few days and into the winnable battlegrounds outside. 25% of all Labour members live in London (not a great statistic which needs to be worked upon). There are more than enough members in London for our marginal and target seats (candidates will of course disagree). On polling day itself, Keir will need all the help they can get. 

Would recommend if you do come to Great Yarmouth and you stay overnight that you check out Misha - Indian & Bangladeshi Dining (misharestaurant.co.uk). We had one of our best meals in a long time here. 

Capital Ring Walk 3. Grove Park to Crystal Palace

Today Gill and I continued with our journey around London via the Capital Ring walk. We had started off in Woolwich during November and will hopefully finish 78 miles later in Beckton (not in one go!).

It took us about 1 hour to get to Grove Park (bus to Stratford since Lizzie line down, change Jubilee to London Bridge then over head to Grove Park). Route is 7.7 miles with extra 0.5 miles from station to start. 

The walk was mostly going through London suburbia but there were a number of parks and greenways. Highlight was Beckenham Place Park which had ancient forests and trails, wide open spaces and is a wonderful green lung for London. I enjoyed there a tasty (but somewhat pricey) egg, bacon and tomato roll with coffee. 

The weather was quite warm for the time of year (quite a few people in shorts and even tee-shirts) but it was overcast and we were lucky it didn't rain. The early spring blossom and flowers were marvellous and a reminder of the good things to come. 

It is a fairly long section of the ring walk but mostly flat with some up and downs. Lots of noisy Ring-necked Parakeets and squabbling grey squirrels. 

In another park Gill chatted to a family about their naughty dog, which refused to respond to their repeated calls to return to them, instead enjoying drinking out of a very muddy puddle. She afterwards recognised him as the actor, Paul Ready, from the sitcom "Motherland" (Kevin). 

At the end of the walk in the historic Crystal Palace, the kids seem to enjoy the victorian statues of dinosaurs.  Despite being on the "at risk" register of English Heritage they seemed to be in fairly good condition considering they are around 170 years old. 

The walk finished at the station and we took a similar trip back and are looking forward to our next leg, Crystal Palace to Streatham. 

Happy 61st birthday John!

Many thanks to my wonderful wife Gill for this photo collage birthday card. I cannot believe that I am now well and truly into my 60s!. I am sure that I am only 39 (again).

I had to go to court this morning to find out what was happening to a tenant who was being sentenced for assaulting a neighbour and this afternoon I was representing a union member facing gross misconduct charges. 

This evening Gill and I went for a birthday drink and meal in London Bridge. Some more future birthday treats likely in coming weeks. 

Little Burstead Loop Walk - Essex Big Skies

 

Today Gill and I went on our 1st long walk of the New Year and the weather Gods smiled on us. It was about 40 minutes drive from Newham to the car park next to the Dukes Head Pub, Laindon Common, Little Burstead, Basildon. 

The 5.24 mile walk is available to download on the Ordnance Survey website (subscription needed but well worth it). There is a free to download 3.5 mile walk here

It was a little cold and windy but the views were spectacular. We hardly saw a soul but there was some road noise at times. We stopped for a coffee break at Little Burstead Church on a bench. Parishioners were leaving after Sunday Service and they stopped and chatted to us and even gave us some delicious homemade Chocolate cake that had been donated by someone moving away. I offered to make a donation but it was refused. The kindness of strangers. 

Afterwards we had a drink at the Dukes Head pub and checked out their Sunday Roast menu. Next time...

Will post more pictures on Facebook 

Nadolig Llawen 2022

 

Went for a wonderful Crimbo walk this morning with Gill to work up an appetite for dinner. Nadolig Llawen! 

John at 60

I am amazed at being 60. I still don't feel at all "old" (whatever that means nowadays) but how on earth did this happen - 60??? 

I have my London + 60 free travel card and I am also now due to receive a small pension from a past employment, so I will officially be a "pensioner"! Crikey. 

I still have 7 years until I reach state retirement age, a very demanding full time job, trade union and Councillor responsibilities and "touch wood" reasonable good health. So still got lots and lots of things to do and achieve. 

So in spite of being 60 - watch this space. 

Many thanks to my lovely wife Gill for this wonderful Collage. 

 

Relaxing Weekend next to Dungeness

 

After election day (Thursday), the "count" (Friday) and my Councillor surgery (Saturday morning) Gill and I went off for a last minute weekend break. We had not been to this part of the Kent coast before and did not quite realise how close it was to the Nuclear power stations (see picture) but had a marvellous and relaxing recovery weekend. 

Check out Facebook for more pictures of Dungeness and later walks on the North Downs and Kent Weald. 

The Heart of Hardy Country

Off message but a week or two ago, Gill and I spent a few days in Dorset and did a fantastic 8 mile walk starting near the cottage that the author, Thomas Hardy, was born and passing the Church grave yard that his heart is buried. 

I struggled reading Hardy when I was at school but now I can appreciate the haunting beauty and majesty of Wessex. I must reread my "A" Level Chores . 

Recommended. Check out https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/dorset-pathfinder-walks-guidebook/

I have posted link to further photos of walk here on Facebook. 

Waltham Abbey and the Lee valley walk

Somewhat off message but today Gill and I drove to this 4.5 mile circular route from "Essex Walks" Pathfinder series. It is also very accessible by public transport. 

It was a peaceful and relaxing walk mostly next to water but also across fields and hedgerows. The weather forecast was a bit dodgy but luckily there was only a few spots of very light rain. 

It is difficult to imagine that this area was for hundreds of years a Royal factory for the production of gunpowder and armaments. There still remains a very large fenced off former military "research station" which appears to be gradually being knocked down to build modern flats and offices. 

Many of the lakes and water features were also caused by industrial scale gravel extraction. 

The riverboat community were very friendly (apart from one who told us off for cooing at her cat which was sleeping in the bow of the boat). 

There are a number of interesting modern sculptures scattered around the area which are well worth a stop and a ponder and at least one wildlife hide. 

There was a "Viking" signpost and information board which pointed out that this used to be the border between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the west and the Viking controlled territories known as Danelaw to the east. 

By coincidence last night, I started watching the "Last Kingdom" series on Netflix, which is set in this period. It is not for the fainthearted (thank you Shabs) and I will give it another go tonight but if the death and gore count is similar to last night, I may give the rest of the series a miss. 

I recommend this walk but it is likely to be very busy for the first half if a warm and sunny weekend. 

 

Wanstead flats babies (and a striking red)

Off message but main photo from Saturday run with Gill (or "very slow jog") and cute picture of Canadian Geese family alongside Alexandria Lake, in Wanstead flats.

Below is a lovely moth or butterfly, we came across when stretching outside the Golden Fleece pub.

Anyone know what it is? I have searched Google images but cannot find an exact match?

Queen Elizabeth Park Walk - Sunday 19 April

This picture college is from yesterday when Gill and I went for our daily exercise by walking around Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford. This is the former Olympic 2012 Park which I think I have not walked around the park for walking sake since 2012!

It was a lovely sunny day yesterday and while it was fairly busy, people were on the whole very sensible with regard to social distancing.

There are a number of circular walks that you can carry out in the park. Check out the website above.

Before and after: What could possibly go wrong?

Off message but many thanks to Gill for cutting my hair this afternoon with my redundant beard trimmer!

I have always disliked having long hair.

In the scheme of things this is all very unimportant but I thought it may offer folk some light relief.

Recently I spoke to an old friend who lives in the country who had just cut her husband's hair with horse clippers.

We watched a few YouTube videos beforehand and then took the plunge. We didn't have any decent scissors so used the short hair setting on side and long on top. It seemed to have worked.

There is a small bald spot on my left hand side from over enthusiastic clipping but luckily with Zoom and Skype meetings,  all you need is a frontal look.

No one mentioned it at the Newham Council all member Skype briefing this evening which I chaired.

I offered to return the favour to Gill and cut her hair but for some strange, strange reason she said no!!!!!!! 

Little Hallingbury Walk

Off message but Gill and I went on a perfect little walk today around Little Hallingbury, which is near Harlow, courtesy of Essexwalks.com. The bright winter sunshine and blue skies helped make it special.

The start of the walk is in the hamlet of Gaston Green. Walk down a lane to the restored Little Hallingbury Water Mill.  Then turn right along the towpath of the Stort Navigation river. Apart from being very muddy the walk along the Stort was a pleasure. There was little wind so the reflections of the trees in the water was stunning.

After we left the Stort the walk back was through rolling Essex fields and hills. We hardly saw anyone during the walk apart from the occasional fisherman and families out with their children for a Sunday stroll.

When walking in North Wales and the Peak district over the recent holiday, some routes were jam packed with people. Just outside London there is stacks of beautiful, empty countryside.  The only thing that spoilt the tranquillity were jets flying over on route to Stanstead airport.

Due to a mix up with the SavNav we actually started the walk in Little Hallingbury and on route to Gaston Green, we passed a brick built arch memorial (top of college) to "Alice Eugenia Barclay. Who was kind to man and beast" dated 1923. I can't find anymore information on this apart from her probable connection with the Barclay (Bank?) family who at one time owned nearby Gaston House. Intriguing. 

After the walk we went to 17th century George public house. Essexwalks.com tells a sad tale about how 2 local youths were caught breaking into the pub during the 1840s and sentenced to 10 years transportation to Australia.

The Sunday roast dinner looked good but we had eaten sandwiches for lunch and were anyway too late (last serving 3pm). Next time. I was more than happy with my pint of best. 

Warwick 5 mile Circular Walk 2019

(Off message) After Labour Local Government Conference in Coventry, Gill and I stayed over and went for a walk on the Sunday around nearby Warwick. A 5 mile flat circular walk courtesy of the AA, starting off at the racecourse. It rained in the morning but cleared up for our walk with some lovely sunshine which somewhat exasperated some friendly fisherman who complained that they had been fishing in the rain all day (we passed quite a few - and they were all men)

The canal, the river walk and views of Warwick castle were simply stunning. The winter sunshine obviously helped. A overnight return visit to Warwick is definitely on the cards. 

Moel Famau Christmas Eve circular walk 2018

I am back in London after spending Christmas with family in beautiful North Wales. On Christmas Eve, Gill and I went for a fantastic 8.3 mile circular walk to the Jubilee Tower at the top of Moel Famau, starting and finishing in Llanbedr village.

The weather was wonderful (as always in Wales), mild with clear blue skies, sunshine and light winds. The first part of the walk is a tough uphill slog, mostly on a well used path but the views were marvellous. There was a wide range of families, couples and groups of friends walking up Moel Famau, along the Offa's Dyke path, which we had joined half way up.  There was a lot of friendly banter amongst people going up and down.  I loved the scouse father who encouraged his children by promising that there was "free presents" for all at the top!

Nearly everyone walked up and down the same route. We carried on along Offa's Dyke, then dropped down back to Llanbedr and never saw a soul on the (muddy) way back.

I will post this walk on the Ordnance Survey grid once I work out how to do this (I bought a year's subscription but it doesn't seem to work). If you compare the GPS chart bottom right with a map you can work out where to go in the meanwhile. 

Roding Valley Walk (Newham to Barking)

I can't believe that it was 8 years ago that Gill and I went for a 3 hour walk along the River Roding way (North) from Wanstead to Roding Valley underground station.

For whatever last minute whim reason, we decided today to go from Newham along the Roding River (South) towards Barking. There is a vague (and largely inaccurate) map online here

We walked through Wanstead Flats and alongside the City of London cemetery (and overhead train track to Ilford) to join the Roding War path in Little Ilford. There are signs pointing out the path but they are somewhat "sporadic".  Cross over Romford Road and make your way along Walton Road (including Susan Lawrence House named after one the first female MPs). You lose the signs at Little Ilford Park but go straight across and you will pick up the trail again.

Just before Barking we lost the signs again but made our way to  Barking town centre and had a late liquid brunch at the Barking Dog ,Wetherspoons. We walked 4.19 miles in 2 hours 19 minutes (including stops and breaks). Will finish off Barking to River Thames walk another time soon.

I raised on route a number of reports of fly tipping/litter on "Love Newham" app and will raise member enquiries on footpath signage, right of way blockage, fly tipping, litter and other issues I came across. It will be good to go "walkabout" with local Councillors, Council Officers and residents along this route in the near future. 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 2018

Off message but last month as a birthday treat I went with Gill for a weekend in Portsmouth to visit once again its Historic Navy Dockside. It is well worth a visit if anyone is interested or curious about our naval history.

Many years ago I read all the fictional novels by Patrick O'Brian on the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic wars, so it is always a treat to visit HMS Victory (top of collage) which fought in the decisive Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Battleships at the time were floating gun platforms and needed a huge crew to fight the guns. By visiting the ship you can see for yourself the crowded, wet and dangerous living conditions of 850 sailors on board. It must have been dreadful with the pain dulled by the daily half pint ration of strong rum (or 8 pints of beer in home waters).

You can buy a ticket that gives you (nearly) unlimited access to the dockyard for a year. As well as HMS Victory, there is the Victorian Battleship HMS Warrior (see spectacular sunset photos bottom centre and right of collage) and the First World War Gun ship M33 (which fought in Gallippi). You also have access to the National Royal Navy museum, Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower as well as a number of other attractions aimed at children and families.

Unfortunately the Tudor Battleship "The Mary Rose" is no longer part of the "all in deal" and you will have to pay extra to visit. 

One highlight included is a free 45 minute boating tour around the Port of Portsmouth during which you can see modern day Royal Naval Warships. The new Aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth was not in port but the modern Destroyer, HMS Diamond D34 was in the docks (see picture left of college).

When HMS Victory was built in 1762 it cost £63,176 and 3 shillings,[the equivalent of £7.92 million today). HMS Diamond alone cost the UK around £1 billion.  I have to say that I tried to work out how many homeless and overcrowded families we could house in Newham with £1 billion.

Portsmouth is lovely with plenty of things to do if you or your partner are not historically minded included a number of good value restaurants in Southsea. 

West Ham All Saints Remembrance Service Sunday 11 November 2018

On Sunday I represented the Mayor and Newham Council at the 1918-2018 Remembrance Ceremony at West Ham Parish Church All Saints with Chair of Council Cllr Joy Laguda and our Director of Finance, Michael O'Donnell. With our local MP Lyn Brown, we each laid a wreath of poppies together with G Company 7 Rifles (our local British Army Reservist unit based nearby in West Ham), Police, British Legion and local residents.

It was good to see a large contingent of soldiers in uniform from our local regiment 7 Rifles present. In past Remembrance ceremonies at this Church, members of G Company had been on active service in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I am now of an age, that they all look too young to put their lives at risk and wish that fighting for all countries and all beliefs was only restricted to older folk such as myself over the age 50.  I doubt that many wars would still happen if this was so.

Chair of Newham Councillor Scrutiny Committees, Cllr John Whitworth and Councillor Winston Vaughan also attended (Cllr Vaughan is a British Army Veteran) While local Cllr, Jane Lofthouse actually had a lovely singing voice (and saved the reputation of the Council since none of us could hold a note).

Newham Council had supported 8 separate Remembrance events across the borough this historic weekend with the Mayor, Cabinet, Senior officers and Councillors attending.

The new Parish Priest, Revd Cannon Alex Summers, led an excellent and moving service (despite a heavy cold) and spoke about two of his great uncles, who were killed in the first world war. He and his young family had visited the war cemetery of one of his uncles in France and noted that the graves of British and German dead were buried alongside each other. It seemed fitting that former enemies were laid in peace together. I completely agree.

The Church is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building and was founded in the 12th Century.  I recommend a visit. There is a Beethoven Concert there on 24 November 2018 which I sadly cannot attend due to pre booked clash.

After the ceremony my wife Gill and I went over to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to view the "Shrouds from the Somme". Visit, look and listen to the endless names of the unidentified dead. It is heartbreaking.

South West Coast Path: Newquay to Perranporth Walk

Off message. Drove back today after a lovely week's holiday in Cornwall recovering from UNISON conference. I did of course develop the traditional post conference lurgy but it did not spoil the break.

Yesterday Gill and I had the best walk of the week along a section of the South West Coast Path from Newquay to Perranporth. The weather was marvellous and it took us across drop dead gorgeous Cornish beach after beach.

You had to take your walking shoes off to paddle across some of the breaches and while there was some up and down walking along headlands, there was nothing too strenuous.

Highlight of the walk was watching a colony of seals basking in the sun off Kelsey Head. We counted 18 seals (bottom right of collage - not that you can see easily see them).

Worse thing while paddling was avoiding stepping on evil looking translucent jellyfish on the huge Perran Beach.

The sat nav said we had walked 9.3 miles and we got the 87 bus back to Newquay (google maps on my smartphone was spot on for public transport information). So only another 621 miles to finish the walk! While waiting for bus we had the best ever Cornish dairy ice cream. 

Thoroughly recommend this walk (and the ice cream).