By Christine Swan
2023 marked a different kind of year for me. I lost my mum in 2022 which meant that I no longer had care commitments that had kept my movements curtailed. This was a bittersweet freedom but it did allow me to travel around a great deal more than I had in recent years.
January was frosty and full of work so my first opportunity for a trek was in the February half term. I was in the mood for a walk so travelled to London and trekked from Paddington station all the way to Southwark. I wanted to visit Clerkenwell to take some photos and although the weather was chilly, it was dry and the light was good so, after taking in St James and a few other local sights, before crossing London Bridge. I was feeling rather weary when I reached my hotel. “No, I’m sorry, I can’t find your booking,” said the reception staff member. I was aghast until he told me that there were four hotels of this chain in Southwark. I checked and I had in fact booked in another branch. “It’s OK, it’s not too far,” he reassured. The word “too” stuck in my mind as I headed off. It wasn’t too far, but far enough for me to finally be grateful to kick of my shoes and have a sit down. The play at the Southwark Playhouse, Windfall, was hilarious and it made for a fun evening’s entertainment. In case you were wondering, I did also walk all the way back to Paddington on my way home too.
In old Clerkenwell
Buckingham Palace seen from Hyde Park
I started writing this blog in March 2023 and since that time, it has become my hobby, distraction and motivation, thanks to you dear readers.
April brought a few trips to London, including an interesting walk around the City and a couple of walks around the East End. I visited Stratford Upon Avon with a friend for Shakespeare’s birthday on a very cold Sunday when unfortunately, not a great deal of hospitality venues were open. This was a disappointment on such an auspicious day but we went to the famous actor’s pub close to the RSC theatre which was warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, the latter part of April also bought my first dose of Covid which sent me to bed for nine days and curtailed wandering absolutely anywhere.
Springtime in Weaver’s Fields
St Pauls seen from Watling Street. Minutes later a torrential rain shower blew in
St Pauls’ gardens looking magnificent
Shakespeare’s church dressed for his birthday in Stratford Upon Avon
The graves of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway
Fortunately, I was recovered by May and resumed my London wanderings. I also attended the exhibition of Simon Pettet’s ceramics at Dennis Severs’ House. It provided an opportunity for a really close examination of the creations of a very talented mind and hands. It was sad to think of such a gifted life cut short and so cruelly. However, Simon’s ceramics live on and are things of delicate beauty.
Simon Pettet’s bicycle at Dennis Sever’s House
Pair of Delftware shoes by Simon Pettet
Dennis Sever’s bedroom mantlepiece
The famous fireplace in Dennis Sever’s bedroom with Simon Pettet’s Defltware tiles depicting local characters and scenes
Dennis Severs’ kitchen
Tea at Townhouse, Fournier Street
Whitechapel Bell Foundry looking sad and neglected
At the end of May I visited my friend in Highley and, as a keen train traveller, there was only one way to go – on the Severn Valley Steam Railway. I caught a modern diesel to Kidderminster and then stepped back in time to trundle along the beautiful Severn Valley at a more sedate pace, bouncing along on the velvet sprung seating in an individual compartment all to myself. I met my friend and we travelled to historic Ironbridge for a walk around and some lunch. The spring weather was beautiful all day and the sky was still deep blue as a travelled back along the railway back. It was a lovely day and I am smiling as I remember it. My friend and I have both had terribly sad twelve months so we have to snatch little bits of joy and this day was one of them.
Severn Valley Railway’s Kidderminster station
Travelling in comfort
Along the Severn Valley
At Highley Station
River Severn in spring afternoon sun
Historic diesel locomotive that brought me back to Kidderminster
The weather continued to be fine in June and my Shakespearian fan friend and I visited Spetchley Park and Gardens. Everything was coming into bloom and there was a polite notice warning us to be aware of the bee swarm that had set up a temporary home on a high wall. We ate cake and drank tea in our very civilised early summer outing.
Beautiful irises at Spetchley Park and Gardens
Early summer sunshine
Lilies in the field
A lucky spot on my walk to work – a pyramidal orchid on the Worcester to Birmingham Canal
Links and further information
The Gentle Author’s Tours – https://www.thegentleauthorstours.com/
Holy Trinity church, Statford Upon Avon – Shakespeare’s church – https://www.stratford-upon-avon.org/
Dennis Sever’s House – https://dennissevershouse.co.uk/
Townhouse, Fournier Street, Spitalfields – https://www.townhousespitalfields.com/
London Bell Foundry appeal – https://www.thelondonbellfoundry.co.uk/
Severn Valley Railway – https://svr.co.uk/
Spetchley Park and Gardens, Worcester – https://www.spetchleyparkestate.co.uk/
Canal and Rivers Trust – https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/
Awful Rigours and Wretched Pay 