A Most Agreeable Jaunt to Stratford-upon-Avon
Hark, fellow wayfarers! Lend me your ears as I recount a most delightful sojourn I recently embarked upon with dear friends to the fair town of Stratford-upon-Avon. This merry pilgrimage was undertaken in honor of two grand occasions: the sexagenarian milestone of our esteemed companion, Colin, and the octogenarian triumph of the ever-young John!
Our first port of call was the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where, with hearts full of anticipation, we ascended the very tower, affording us a most wondrous panorama of the town and its environs. The gentle Avon, like a silver ribbon, snaked its way through the verdant landscape, while the quaint half-timbered houses below offered a glimpse into the town's rich history.
Following this lofty excursion, we ambled along the banks of the aforementioned river, the gentle murmur of its waters providing a soothing accompaniment to our lively discourse. The sun, casting its golden rays upon the scene, painted a picture of idyllic serenity.
For our nightly repose, we sought refuge in the humble yet convivial confines of the local youth hostel. Though our accommodations may not have boasted the grandeur of a lord's castle, the camaraderie shared amongst friends proved more valuable than any gilded chamber. Laughter and merriment echoed through the halls as we raised a toast to Colin and John, their spirits as youthful as the setting itself.
Thus, our weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon drew to a close, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories etched upon our hearts. Mayhap, dear reader, you too will have the opportunity to embark upon such a delightful adventure, and partake in the joys of friendship, laughter, and the ever-enchanting magic of the Bard's own town.
Will Shake
A Long Way through Piccadilly
A cold January Sunday & we braved the trains for a city walk in some of the more salubrious parts of the capital. We met at Eros and headed into Mayfair, named after the Spring fair that ceased in 1764 after the local nobility complained that it was ‘lowering the tone of the neighbourhood’. We took in the elegant lines of Savile Row and browsed the exclusive shops of Abermarle Street. Amongst the diamonds and Rolex watches, there were even a pair of David Beckham’s shoe lasts on display. At Fortnum and Mason we got to see the famous clock go through its chimes. The clock depicts William Fortnum and Hugh Mason in 18th century dress, who turn to bow to each other every hour, on the hour. Although it looks older, the clock only dates from 1964. It appears very dainty but is actually 10 feet tall and weighs 4 tons – the wall had to be specially reinforced before it could be mounted there.
In Piccadilly we visited the Royal Academy buildings, passing a preserved prototype of the classic K2 phone box designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. Apparently, he based the design on the proportions of Sir John Soane's tomb for his wife. This design classic was in stunning contrast to the three black phone boxes we found round the back of the Royal Academy of Art – an installation called “SOS beacon” by Scottish artist Max Boyla. Echoing the original tomb-like design, each phone box has been repainted black with an individual neon letter inside, spelling ‘SOS’. Each letter is oversized to look “claustrophobic” within its setting and flickers to replicate the morse code signal for SOS. It’s Art, so needs no further explanation.
After having a warm-up in Ye Grapes pub in Shepherds Market, we ate our packed lunches in the gardens in Berkeley Square – no nightingales to be heard - and spent the afternoon touring the nearby streets, ticking off blue plaques by the dozen. Beau Brummell, Disraeli, Clive of India. I think we might have missed the one where Mama Cass choked on a ham sandwich. Thoroughly exhausted, many of us required a refuelling before attempting the trip home & enjoyed a very nice Thai meal back at Ye Grapes. A full and fun-packed day.
Ali