Worthing and its Mueum and Art Galley and homeward bound

I am home and while my visits to Brighton, Shoreham and Worthing are already part of the past as I cope with the demands of today and tomorrow some experiences remain vivid and noteworthy and appropriate for public communication.

While Brighton had become a cosmopolitan seaside city catering for everyone from the cultured and sophisticated to the partying yob, Worthing remains a traditional seaside resort favoured by those seeking to raise their children in a family orientated community. Brighton also appeals to families as somewhere to visit for events or special shopping but for day on day life Worthing appears to tick all the family boxes, and where for older people like me I suspect there is more of community atmosphere, although one can feel isolated or lonely, without a purpose or sense of involvement in whatever environment one is in.

I cannot remember if the resort was visited during my childhood when the “aunties” spent two week summer stays at Hasting, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. My memory until this week was of a two night stay at the Worthing seafront Travel Lodge three years ago in a cell like single bedded room over a weekend although for only £10 a night in summer one cannot complain. I had a delightful Sunday morning listening to traditional Jazz in a Piazza sitting on a provided bench seat as well as enjoying the Promenade and Pier.

As with many seaside resorts there are hotels, apartments restaurants on the promenade roadside, including a traditional Tea Rooms adjacent to the local information office on either side of the entrance to one of several places of entertainment, a cinema, the Dome one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK. the Ritz Digital has 3D and Dolby sound while the Connaught Theatre also functions as a Cinema. There is everything from rock to classical concerts at the Assembly Halls, and the Pavilion Theatre off the Promenade at the entrance to the pier offers traditional fare.

There is a prize Bingo Hall, the Aquamarina, Ten Pin bowling for those seeking more participative activity as well as a range of leisure and sports centres and open spaces. It is also possible to park albeit at premium rates alongside the beach a few feet across from the pavement although it was free overnight and throughout Sunday when I previously visited.

There is a good range of shops along Montague Street and Brighton Road parallel to the coast with Chapel Road and the High Street Steyne run from the sea front inland with the Montague and Guildbourne Shopping centres There is off road family housing within walking of the town centre and reported excellent schooling. There are also a good price range of places to eat and drink to suit all pockets including several showing live sport.

My visit provided the opportunity to experience the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery with exhibits on two floors and an outside garden area used to show sculpture. The Museum and Gallery building is situated next to the Town Hall and adjacent to the Public Library at one end of the shopping area on the way from the station although not in as advantageous position for the outside visitor as that in South Shields created from the former public Library building and located in the main pedestrian thoroughfare for those using the Metro train terminus and adjacent bus station.  Having said this it is in an ideal location for residents with the public library and other council and public use buildings.

The weather cleared sufficiently for me to view all the available work of local creative artist Serena Thirkell who counts Edward Bourne Jones among her ancestors. While her work makes use of bits of machinery and discarded garden tools her human likeness figures, creatures and objects are skilfully and cleverly professionally finished to the highest standards but which nevertheless enable anyone to own one of her works from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds and will find a place in a contemporary living room or any form of garden or patio area. I would have purchased if my circumstances were modestly different.

There is opportunity to view her work in a three minute video on You Tube from the present exhibition which has been extended until September, Serena Thirkell @ Worthing Museum and Art Gallery or at her own site SerenaThirkell.co.uk where she has two albums of work of insects from 2009 and Sculptures 2008-2009 available. There are 12 videos of present and former exhibitions from the museum and art galley linked on You Tube, including one on Punch and Judy which attracted the attention of a group of the disabled adults with learning difficulties during my visit. There was a local BBC news feature on the exhibition recently and which was given an Arts Council grant associated with the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. I was also interested to see the Patching Coins on display and the recently restored 18th century court dress from the impressive costume collection.

Founded in 1908 with the help of Carnegie funds and the first Mayor of Worthing the Museum and Galley continues to fulfil the ambitions of it’s founder to provide an education heart in the town with a series of ten sessions between February and August for families with children as well as twice weekly programme designed for local schools. There is also an important Friends organisation which in addition to a series of lectures and to special showings and other events has raised substantial funds in support of new ventures.

On the Monday evening I had watched England play France and in truth this was the first time I got into the Euro 2012 competition. I had been torn between supporting the home side Poland and their opponents Greece in the 1.1 opening match and hoped both side went through to the quarterfinals although Russia looked invincible against the Czech Republic who they whipped 4.1 and when Poland drew with Russia these looked the two likely tems as Greece lost to the Czechs. However the maths left any of the four teams still able to progress depending on the results of the two games played at the same time last night. The outcome was extraordinary because Greece beat Russia 1.0  with a dramatic defensive game throughout the second half and went through despite having the same  points and worse goal difference because of the head to head win and did so the night before they go to the Polls again to see if they can achieve a government prepared to carry out what is demanded of them to stay in European Currency and moved towards greater financial integration which implicitly means greater political integration. It should not be forgotten that Greece was the unlikely winners of the competition in 2004.  In the other game the Czechs beat Poland who and their chances early on and also went through heading the mini league.

The England game against France was a dour affair with both teams concentrating on not losing. England scored first with a header from Olson Lescott from a captain Steven Gerrard free kick in a controversial line up which and seen him give a chance to 18 year old Oxlade-Chamberlain the surprise selection in the squad as well as well as  Welbeck who I had watched when playing on loan at Sunderland from Manchester United.   Andy Carroll was not selected. France looked the more attacking team so it was not a surprise when they equalised and England had to hold out for much of the second half.  Having said that I was impressed with the team spirit and approach although in reality they could not pass accurately when playing under pressure and at speed. The overall team playing skills are not good enough. The other co hosts for the competition the Ukraine beat Sweden 2.1 which was not a surprise. 

France then beat the Ukraine in the early match on Friday evening which I was able to view while unpacking and settling back home 2.0 and looked good value as head of the group and should also win against Sweden on Tuesday although the Swedes have a vast travelling army and will not want to go home without at least a point. This gives the game away as obviously it means that England beat Sweden on the evening match. However the outcome was far from certain until the final whistle and which led some commentators claiming it had been the match of the competition to date.

For this game the new Manager had included Andy Carroll and left out Oxlade-Chamberlain who had performed well enough without being outstanding. The decision proved a brilliant one when captain Steven Gerrard hit another brilliant free kick at pace onto the head of a rising Carroll who executed a copy book move into the back of the net giving the goal keeper no chance. There was great excitement in the land and the commentary team as England had failed to win a competitive game against Sweden for decades.

I continued to watch after Sweden equalised but turned away to the cricket when they went 2.1 up and all appeared lost. Unbeknown to me at the time the Manager decided to bring on Theo Walcott, the Arsenal player who had also been brought to an important international competition at the age of 18 but had not played. It can be argued that giving him experience proved a good decision because I switch back on to the game to see him hit what in truth was a speculative long range shot with a swerving finish into the net at 64 minutes and it was game on. He was also instrumental in the winning goal in the best move of the match as he darted into the penalty area and passed the ball to Welbeck who did a brilliant, extraordinary back flick into the net with no other route possible because of the tight defence.

A draw against the home side the Ukraine on Tuesday will see England into the quarter finals, a development which many suggested would not happen. I have two £10 bets for them to win the competition to kick start the Olympic Games season where I read that the BBC is going to add 20, yes 20 extra channels to provide live coverage of every event plus repeats and where Sky 3D channel will take 8 hours of the live Eurosport 3D coverage plus 4 hours of highlights programmes a day.

It is time to add a word about the new Manager Roy Hodgson whose appointment I favoured over the push Harry Rednapp who has his supporters. Harry has now been sacked by fourth place finishing Tottenham Hotspurs with the official reason  given that he did not achieve a Championship League position, a ludicrous reason given that in any other year when a team reaches fourth they would be placed and that only  a win by another home side will prevent this. Harry says he is not retiring so we will see given his refusal to move home from the south coast and his ill health. Hodgson in my view could deliver the next World Cup so if he does not achieve the Euro championship, as everyone expects, then the way he is carrying out the present mission augurs well. However the Ukraine at home will prove a challenge. There is a report that England fans are being investigated for an attempted pitch invasion at the end of their game against Sweden in which they were outnumbered five to one by the Swedish fans.

German and Portugal are expected to go through in the third group with Germany certain while Spain and Croatia who play  against each other will both go through if they draw and whoever was to win while the defeated side in this game would not progress if Italy beat a poor Northern  Ireland side in their final game. My last day in Brighton was not a great one with poor weather and wanting to watch the appearance of the Prime Minister at the Lord Leveson Inquiry. I managed to find a Timpson’s to replace my shoe laces which were coming undone every time I went walking and I purchased a three pack of chicken sandwiches from Boots for the journey home. I had hoped to have a good walk in the evening after the meal at the Wethersoon’s but it came on to rain hard so I retreated to my room

I set the alarm for six am using both mobile phones just to make sure and had completed most of the packing before going to bed. I was ready to depart after a cup of coffee around 6.45 and with good weather outside I decided to walk the half mile to station up the hill taking time as I was a good hour in advance of my original schedule. I arrived just after seven and went to the ticket office to check if I could travel by any route as I suspected was possible as I had not been allocated a seat on a particular train.

This was confirmed  and I was therefore able to take a seat in the Thameslink stopping train to St Pancras which left at 7.30 and which should have arrived around 9 taking the same time as the First Capital Connect to Victoria and then Underground and long walk. However the train crawled after East Croydon arriving just before at 9.30. I have yet to work out if this because the train appears to now go via Tulse Hill and Herne Hill to the Elephant and Castle bypassing London Bridge before going to the platform increased to take 12 coach trains at Blackfriars and Farringdon. Despite the two hour journey and the train crowding out making use of the computer difficult avoiding having to use the Tube, the stairs and the walking was well worth it.

At Kings Cross I debated buying a bacon roll and coffee but settled for eating the chicken sandwiches followed by coffee and crisps on the train from the trolley. At 10 15 and no announcement about a departure platform I made my way to the area before the platforms passing through the entrance barrier and with one of the two trains in stations was announced as for Leeds I assumed the other was for Newcastle. Then the announcer explained that the there was a delay with boarding not for another ten minutes. This was because the train had not arrived although it did so few minutes later and because of my position and holding the other passengers before the departure board; I was able to get on as soon as the arriving passengers departed. Finding the allocated compartment had seats with fixed arm rests and checking out the next which was the same I took the first table available.

The station announcer had explained that seat reservations were cancelled as a consequence of the short turn around period. It   was quickly evident that not everyone understood the implications of this and made their way to the seats shown on their tickets with the consequence of several heated exchanges when they discovered the seats already occupied. Some were willing to change including one man on his way to York who was persuaded to move by two couples who had arranged to pass the journey playing bridge. He switched to my table sitting in the aisle seat opposite and although the compartment quickly filled we had the table to ourselves for the remainder of the journey. Apart from a coffee and a packet of crisps which cost an exorbitant £3 and remembering to ensure I took the right case off the train there was nothing noteworthy until I entered the house at the front forgetting that I left the key for the door between the hallway and the rear in the day room and then when I went to the rear I could not find the back door key which was among the change I had emptied from my suit. I had to return for the spare before having full access to the property.

I checked the plants and then went for milk and other supplies before unpacking and getting ready to watch England play Sweden in the European Cup while listening to Durham play Yorkshire in their first 20 20 game of the season at Headingley while going through the post which included the tickets for the one day 50 over game against Australia in July. I was well and truly home and Brighton was quickly becoming another memory.

Brighton views

Brighton today retains few of the images of my childhood although no one would hope to experience again my earliest memory which occurred soon after the war in Europe ended and when the beach had not been cleared of its defences. My first visual memory of the seaside is looking from the promenade over the barbed wire and anti tank emplacements at the sea for the first time, followed by a meal at cafe the other side of a deserted Kings Road having been able to park on the upper promenade roadside.

I also possess visual images and feelings from the years of the decade between 1934 and 1956 of a coach trip in what appeared to be a solid traffic jam all the way from Brighton back home and of packed special excursion trains followed by the walk down the hill from the station to the pebble beach packed with day trippers, of starting to cry when the aunties went to the loo leaving me alone at the station for what seemed a long time, of being picked up and dropped into the ocean by the eldest cousin who had returned from being a POW in the war and who was still very much a boy despite his traumatic experiences in North Africa, Italy and central Europe.

It was not the 1980’s that I commenced to  revisit including a stay at the Grand Hotel attending a conference, taking the “aunties” for a day return by car visit and then in the 1990’s returning, often by car passing through the Town on the way to the County Cricket ground at Hove to watch Durham play Sussex. I recall one visit in the 1990’s when I was able to park the vehicle on the lower promenade and walked the full length of the pier something I did not do again until my visit in the evening sunshine of June 13th 2012 .

The Pier is now only one symbol of the many faces of a town that became a City in 2000 and which many regard as London by the sea.  While I appreciate why this observation is made it is not one I share except that the large area of the Laines to the north of the Lanes has similarities with Camden because of the nature of the stores than say the Shambles in York, while the area in which the Travel Lodge when I am staying is located is similar to that of the Newcastle Quayside, to Whitely Bay and South Shields in the North East or Blackpool in the North West than any part of London. While there are likely to be more homosexual and Lesbian individuals and couples throughout London, the concentration in Brighton results in a higher general visibility and same applies in relation to conference visitors. Similarly, despite the University of Sussex having its campus outside the city and Brighton University covering campuses in Eastbourne, Hastings, Moulescoomb and at Falmer outside the city centre. I obtained the same feel as a town with a high dependency on students as one does in Newcastle or Sunderland.

There is also the cosmopolitan feel with plenty of ethnic run or ethnic specialising stores and restaurants although there is no sense of the ethnic ghettos that now dominate large areas of the capital, and in fact if anything Brighton which used be considered a working class seaside resort for Londoners along with Southend and Margate has become increasingly gentrified. This was evident on my walk along the pier, observing passers when sitting in Churchill Square, or buying food in Marks and Spencers.

The pier still retains three traditional features as somewhere you can buy ice cream, rock and candyfloss, fish and chips and food on the go, as where you can quickly lose all your change playing slot machine which offer much but provide less and thirdly where to can sit sheltered or in full sunshine on a bench or deckchair and enjoy the sea air and views along the coast to the Sussex downs.  I noted that the seating was occupied by a number of people on their own of both sexes who were evidently local rather than visitors and I suggest some visit on a regular basis when the weather permits. The pier opens at ten and closes at night to prevent use by the homeless and the beggars. While entrance to the pier is free I suspected that security will prevent the street people from using the pier to beg, sell the Big Issue or as a place to rest and pass the day. I also noted  one area of fast food concession which offered Noodles, Fried Rice and Indian Spice and that an Asian gentleman was serving in the kiosk offering Belgian Waffles.

Cornet ice creams were on offer from £1.99 to £2.99 and the tub at £2.50.  Cod/fish and chips can become a luxury food according to the establishment with one near pier restaurant offering £3.70 for the fish £1.40/£2 for chips whereas the Mariner‘s restaurant  kiosk on the pier offered fish and chips for £6.50 or a family size offering of chips for £4. The restaurant where the price rose to £8 was closed for a function which I wondered if this was the for the GMB union which was holding its conference and where on the Tuesday evening I noted flyers for the Socialist Party of Great Britain fringe meeting aimed at conference delegates.

There are two slot machine arcades, one  a huge hall where I paid particular attention the horse racing game where ten pence purchases one of six horses who offer returns from twenty pence to two pounds and where as a young person I  loved participating in the long track multi horse races which required every horse to be purchased by a visitor. No longer are there housey housey (Bingo) games which also required a full number of participants and which are now a feature of online electronic gambling, offering significant financial prizes.

The famous Palace theatre by which the Pier is known has long since been demolished and not replaced but the large end of pier area has now been given over to a large number of dramatic thrill rides costing from £2 to £5 in £1 tokens with the offer of £30 for £20.

The star attraction is the Booster, a tall 37 meter single swing arm in which the person is held with legs free and where four passengers at each end are swung thirteen revolutions a minute at speed for £5 individually £40 a time. There was a Flume ride to one side and two roller coasters and well as the biggest ghost train house I have seen, the traditional helter skelter, horse roundabout, one way dodgem cars and Waltzer and for £2 you could have three attempts to ride bull with a prize if you stayed on for more than thirty seconds. There was also trampolines and bounce mats as well as rides for little people. A large over 18’s only drinking hall was closed with redevelopment work going on one end while the second at the end of the posh fish and chip restaurant was packed with those enjoying the ability to drink in the open air if they were not interested in the early evening football match.

Adjacent to the entrance to the pier is a large wheel  50 metres in height  similar to that now also at York and less than half the height of the London Eye at 120 metre. The cost ranged from £8.50 adults to the hire of a unit which for the maximum adults(6) and children(2) worked out more favourably, or where the VIP unit included a private waiting area and glass bottom floor, luxury seating for 4 at £55 or with a half bottle of champagne £75. Unlike the walk in an stand London Eye where you get a single revolution, here you get three and of course the time it takes to unload and reload passengers. With the pier closed on my early morning walk I had sat for a while on the only available roadside promenade seat to watch the daily maintenance and safety checks. Since a situation on a pier ride some years ago the Pier Management, part of the Noble organisation, has its own Health and Safety on-site manager.

Talking of comfortable seating, I noted the up market nature of the drink establishments along the beach side included some settees and comfy chairs and not a deck chair in sight, including on the beach where there were a surprising number of people stretched out in the late afternoon. No one was in the sea though!

While there are arts and crafts outlets on the lower promenade there is only one area of traditional fish and chip restaurants along the Brighton Beach, around the corner from the Travel Lodge, Odeon and Brighton Centre Complexes.  There are then hotels including a large Thistle which  boasts a Faulty Towers style restaurant, and then the fish and chip restaurants, rock shops where Kings Road become the Grand Junction Road, north of which are the Lanes, the Old Stein with the National Express Coach station and the internationally famous Royal Pavilion. I have now stayed in Brighton twice in this decade, promising myself a visit to the Pavilion and to Cineworld at the new Marina complex. I have on a previous day trip visit to city used the train which goes from the just after  the pier  close to Marina complex. Before talking about some of the other faces of Brighton I must mention finding one establishment on my exploration which offered either the Original Opera Mayhem or a clone group were three zany singers sings well known arias and also comedy numbers such as a sung moonlight Sonata three or maybe four nights a week from 8pm with no additional entrance fee and meals at reasonable prices. I noted the eat all you can breakfast for under £6.

Talking of food I abandoned my usual practice of buying in pan au chocolate and Danish pastries for breakfast and enjoyed a bacon roll on Monday morning, a £2.98 traditional breakfast at the Wetherspoons a few doors up from Hotel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and did not need anything on Wednesday settling for just a cup of coffee.

For midday I had a mixture with an excellent albeit expensive Penne with chicken and mushrooms at Ask, Worthing with a  dish of green olives starter and a bottle of still water and ice, with salami soft rolls one day, and a small M and S Baguette  filled with salami chunks on Tuesday and Wednesday and a Boots Ham and Pickle Sandwich on Thursday together with an orange juice part of the Boots £3.29 meal deal. I enjoyed the carrot cake slice with a cup of tea later in my room. My other treats were a small packet of salted peanuts at lunchtime which led to the purchase of a can of coke from a nearby local store, used on previous occasions for can of cold coke and cold water all at premium prices although not as expensive as the bottle of coke available at the Travel Lodge for £1.50 and then an 80p choc bar with nuts. I enjoyed salami rolls one evening with a cuppa soup and had a burger meal with a diet Pepsi at McD one evening for £2.73 and a beef Burger and chips with Pepsi on two evenings at the Wetherspoons at £ 3.98.

I did not have a great night on Sunday only managing to use the sleep Apnea machine for one session as although tired my head was buzzing with the events of the day. I woke well before six and counted the minutes when I though I would be able to  go to the Wetherspoons for a bacon roll. Alas when I approached the entrance a sign proudly boasted we are open at eight o clock whereas my local starts at seven, or at least did. I walked on up the hill. There were a plethora of coffee shops along the Western Road with the entrance to Churchill indoor shopping mall on the left side as I walked towards Hove. I also noted a McD across from a KFC and continued my walk passed the store which has the greatest variety of olives anywhere encountered. deciding to return in order to reach the Wetherspoons just after eight. However on reaching McD I could wait no longer and enjoyed one of their bacon rolls for just under £2 which is premium pricing given that a McD burger with chips and a drink cost under £3. Later I saw a Subway offer of a bacon or sausage roll with coffee for £2. This thoroughfare after Churchill Square runs parallel to the coast and provides local shopping and restaurant eating primarily for residents and workers.

On returning to my room I rested and then prepared to watch former Prime Minister Gordon Brown appear before the Leveson Inquiry. I was only able watch the first hour before deciding I did not want to watch further. He always possessed a self righteous manner emphasising his Scottish Kirk upbringing and now he reminded of Ted Heath, a man who never appeared to accept rejection by his own party with the rise of Margaret Thatcher. I am also concerned about someone who keeps saying he must tell the truth. Like Ted Heath I thought Brown sounded pathetic and also a man who hoped for vindication and a summons to lead a political party and become Prime Minister once more. I cannot see him settling for a Ministerial post like Ian Duncan Smith or William Hague, two other Tory party leaders who were rejected by the populace rather than their own party.

I wrote the above on Monday evening after watching the news reports and taking a quickly look at the on line transcript so my judgement is more soundly based than the brief experience of watching him live which I thought sad and embarrassing. I have now seen former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major as well as current Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister  Clegg and  Party Leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Leader Harman, George Osborne and Hunt, plus Business Secretary Cable and I thought they all came out of their sessions with reputations protected and some strengthened. The one exception is Brown whom in my judgement has got his just deserts from the Electorate, his colleagues and now at the Leveson Inquiry.

Looking outside and seeing it was dry I decide to go on an explore of the Lanes, commencing in the southern group adjacent to the hotel and then walking northward towards the station when the running off from the Laines are streets of colourful terrace cottages. There are several hundred stores leading some to describing the area as Camden by the sea and with similar inflated pricing for food and drink. There innumerable dress shops, antique/craft stores.

It was only on return  that I realised my interest on the walk and on a  previous walk was not in the Tourist trap Lanes but the North Laine mixture of avant-garde shops including bookshops, independently owned small business and a wider range of restaurants, pubs and bars plus the Comedy theatre centre. The area is a Mecca for radical, art folk, and students with a sense of  being a village. While Lane is what it says, Laines is a more ancient name referring to fields.

Brighton boasts several hundred eateries (400) a greater concentration anywhere other than in London and which explains the pricing given that I suspect the money on those located especially in the Lanes is made only at weekends and perhaps other weekend days where the Festival is on or other events which bring visitors to stay in the city. It is noticeable that families use the Wetherspoons and apart from the Yates Lodge there are only the two Mc D’s and KFC and the British Home Stores in the Churchill centre which offers family eating. There is also Spud U like as a sit down in the Churchill centre adjacent to McD. There are plenty of Subways, Pizza slices and coffee shops and one other Wetherspoons but this is not a place for ordinary family eating out unless you are willing able to pay £40-£50 plus and in fact this is my conclusion about Brighton is that although it is a city with much to offer including for those who appear to live on the street, it is not a city for those with families, particular young families.

I learned that a month’s rain had fallen Sunday overnight in the region in one seaside town causing the flooding of over one hundred and fifty properties when the drains could not cope and water rose through floor boards close to a swollen river usually no more than a stream. On Monday it was dull and looked as if would rain at anytime but stayed clear for me to and watch the second half of England playing France after a 1.1 score in the first half.

On arrival at the Travel Lodge I noted that only one of the two lifts was in working order and after pressing the button summoning the lift to the 7th floor I noted that it appeared to be held and I could here the cries of a man calling for help “Can anyone here me?” I therefore found stairs going downward at one end of the building and which provides excellent views across Brighton from semi circular windows. In reaching reception to report the problem the fire brigade had arrived and later I learned had released the man although the lift remained out of use until the following day. The pubs were crowded with security personnel hired. There were no further score although France looked as if they would score against an England side without Carroll and Rooney ineligible. On return I took my time on the climb back to the room.

It was also dull with spitting rain as I set off to catch the 700 to meet someone for lunch and visit the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery on Tuesday.  Although I have made the journey from Worthing to Brighton/Hove for some reason I allowed time to get to Shoreham which I had visited on Sunday evening forgetting that it is another 15 to 20 minutes from there via Lancing to Worthing.  It was spitting rain when I returned after lunch. It was only on Wednesday that the sun shone from early morning through to the evening. There was sun for breakfast and for lunchtime outings but the wind was getting up and chilling and in the evening I made the mistake of not taking my umbrella and had to rush back to avoid a drenching. It is fortunate that Brighton is no longer dependent in the London day tripper heading fir the seaside. Having said this I noted the large number of large office  blocks and office accommodation sites advertised as available. I noted the availability of several four double bedroom properties available for renting by students or those prepared to share common  other facilities at prices in the region of £80-£100 per person a week.

Brihgton Visit 2012 (1)

My intention had been to visit Brighton and the south coast when  Durham County cricket club were playing Sussex but there was no inexpensive accommodation available and then I noticed some £10 a night rooms for the second week of June, immediately after the school half term and the Diamond Jubilee weekend. I was able to book a double room for five nights for a total of £57, one night at £15 plus booking fee. I had to wait in order to book  the train getting a ticket to Brighton with seating at a return price cost of £80.90 more expensive than I usually manage but satisfactorily in the circumstances. It would cost well over £100 for petrol plus £30 parking for the week.

I hesitated about setting off when the time came because the journey was to commence a week after the allocation and fitting of the Sleep Apnea treatment machine. There was no anxiety over managing the travel luggage because as previously mentioned an excellent carry case has been provided although it would pose a challenge. My concern was being able to continue the process of adjusting to the treatment in a new situation especially as the weather forecast was poor so the opportunity for good walking could be limited.

I am now at the half way stage in the visit  and pleased that I made the decision to come although I still have someway to progress in the use of the machine before able to judge whether the outcome will be as positive as hoped and I can write to the DVLA in confidence.

I have stayed at the seafront Travel Lodge in Brighton before and which just around the corner from the Brighton centre, the  sea front, pier, the Churchill shopping centre and bus station and the town centre and sea front restaurants and entertainments. I noted before travelling that Sussex are playing their first 20 20  game, and evening match on the Thursday evening and that Susannah Vega is also performing on the same night.

The weather forecast for the period was one of showers and moderate temperatures. I am not inclined to sun bathing at all these day although I enjoy sitting on a bench overlooking the mouth of the Tyne, sometimes reading, sometimes dozing something, Brighton has  a pebble beach which while avoiding the sand getting everywhere problem is a disincentive for a relaxed stretched on towel during balmy days of summer which I presume occur with greater frequency than in the north east. Later during the stay I may reprise my memories from the immediate post war time childhood and subsequently. I brought with me the supply of Cineworld vouchers as there is a cinema in the city/town. England play France on Monday evening and i will find a pub to share the experience.

My preparations for the travel were comparatively relaxed given the circumstances and not commenced until the Thursday and then some final sorting during Saturday afternoon and evening. Given the weather forecast there were no short sleeve shirts prepared and I packed two brown zipped house jackets to wear restricting shirts for the travel with my suit and taking only one pair of trousers (the green) with the green outer coat.

I only packed some packet soups and the two salami sausages intending to purchase some crusty bread and eat out more than usual or purchase prepared food to bring in. I packed cutlery. For the journey I used half the half price full baguette from Saturday made crisp again  with a short spell in the oven and filling with a small tin of red salmon together with olives stuffed with pimento. I also bought a small carton of cherries and took a small flask of iced water. I arrived at Newcastle station in good time to enjoy at leisure a standard  coffee with milk at £2.20

The train arrived over five minutes late and from the number of people waiting I sensed the train would be near full so I positioned myself for entrance to reserved seat carriage. As is usually it was the wrong end for my allocated seat but seeing a  vacant space in the main luggage rack I seized the  opportunity and then made by way through to find that I had been allocated a window seat at a table at the window next to the electricity supply with the three other seats occupied by a couple and an attractive young girl. However the next pair of seats were vacant next to the luggage rack at this end next to the toilet, and although this meant balancing computer on the pull down table it served my purpose well. I was able to check my emails at some point using the free 15 minutes now only available for standard fare passengers..

The reason for the full house was soon apparent with York the only other stop to Darlington before the Kings Cross destination and therefore one of the quickest routes taking just over three hours. I was lucky to find the unreserved seating.

The journey has been uneventful and fast moving. I enjoyed my lunch and completed one important aspect of the writing of the end of the A Clash of Thrones and with only half an hour before the end of this part of the journey I I packed up ready to leave finding it difficult to concentrate as a mother allowed a child to scream and shout with disregard for everyone else. The lock on the toilet was not working which caused some problems and involved climbing over a large sleeping dog. However I remained in good heart.

Arriving at King Cross is such a joy now because of the light from the vaulted ceiling and the ability to move about freely. Fortunately the exist barriers were left open for easy passage as all the passengers had their tickets checked on the train once York was departed. I used the lift down to main underground thoroughfare but the walk to the Victoria line platform is very long and involves going up an incline and then down steps. Because of the early arrival I was in time for the earlier train to Brighton but the ticket instructions were precise. In the event there was no check during the journey. The wait provided opportunity to look in Smiths despite the luggage and effort was rewarded with the purchase of a book about the Royal family as a gift to those who were providing an evening meal.

The train was a long one with 12 carriages so I could take my pick of tables although by the time we set off most seating areas had a least one person despite being in carriage 4. About 50% of the passengers  got for off at Gatwick airport preferring this cheap route stopping only at Clapham Junction and East Croydon rather than the morning expensive non stop to the airport. A young woman sat with her back to me across from the table keeping one eye on her luggage. I was tempted to purchase a drink from trolley but resisted when it passed towards journey’s end. There were no lap top points but I used the battery to commence the writing of these notes.

It has been raining along the way so a taxi may be required down to the hotel as I have no wish to balance the luggage with a brolly although the road is a straight one and down hill. Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill are stations I have passed through countless times and Preston Park is for local trains and a pleasant suburb with a large park on the main road into Brighton.
There is always a sense of anticipation as one reaches the station despite having lived on a coast for forty years and which is derived from childhood visits when living at Wallington. Today the skies were grey  with spitting rain. It was not sufficient to take a taxi and with the hotel a ten minute walk downhill I decided to make my way although I had stop and use the brolly shortly before arriving because the spits turned to heavy rain.

I was allocated the same room or similar on the seventh of eight floors looking inward which was not surprising given the price paid. The room is more compact that most others experienced but obtained a double bed and was adequate with plenty of electric points, I did not need the extension unit for the breathing machine when I returned from an evening visit and meal. The 700 bus leaves a short walk back up the hill from Churchill square so it was not such a disaster when I realised that having changed  I had left all my cash behind and although in fact it was not require I thought it was better to return missing the first available bus. The frequency is reduced from ten minutes to fourteen on Sundays.

The 700 service is well used by local people and is great service because of the range of destinations along to coast, Hove, close to the cricket ground, Shoreham, Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel, Bognor Regis Chichester, Portsmouth and Southsea. Not all buses complete the three and half to four hour journey with the last bus leaving Brighton for South Sea at just before six although last bus for part journeys other than Sundays continues including limited Night bus service.

It was just before ten pm back having been driven in the pouring rain to find that across from the entrance to the other side from restaurant and bar there is what is described as the Latin Lounge from which came the loud beat of West Indian and I looked through door to see the dancing area packed which gave an additional insight to Brighton as a swinging city. It had been a long, tiring but enjoyable day auguring well for the rest of the visit.

The wrong case London trip (1) 2012

I returned home from the London trip two weeks ago this coming Tuesday. I arrived early at Kings Cross Station having failed to resolve the problem of why the £25 added to the Oyster card had not registered and received a print out to confirm the position. It was only about a week after I returned home and noted that the £25 had not been returned that I enquired by telephone and the assistant explained that while it appeared that the £25 had been added when the account was checked it was confirmed that it had not. The only explanation possible is when I placed the card on the reader on arrival at St Pancras there were sufficient funds on the card to open the gate but I did not hold the card  down long enough for it to register that the addition which was lost in a card of limbo until the telephone contact. I pointed out that I had sent an email which appeared to have been ignored or also lost in the system. I selected a means for the money to be transferred back and have just checked that it was returned on May 4th.

This also reminded that I needed to also check if the payment previously made to Travel Lodge for the accommodation at Dartford during the Olympic games has been returned as it became possible for an additional payment of £30 overall to move to Croydon Central which will be that much more convenient although the trip for there to Wembley Stadium and back will be a long one although not as long or as potentially expensive as that from Dartford. It also means that if I decide to go up to the  Olympic Park site on the two middle days of the stay to watch events on the big screen I will be able to use the Oyster to go to St Pancras and from there take the fast service to thee Olympic Park

Since returning home the football programme has been announced. It will be remembered that I have tickets for football at St James Park and Wembley Stadium.

On Thursday 26th July I have a two match ticket at St James Park when Mexico Play Korea and Gabon play Switzerland from 2.30 and 7.15. However as England play Senegal at Old Trafford in the evening game I will decide on the day if I will stay for both match and view he England Game on Large screen TV somewhere in Newcastle or return home.   There are no other events on that day as the Opening ceremony is on the following evening.

On Sunday 29th July I also have a two match ticket this time as Spain play Honduras and Japan Morocco. I then travel London on July 31st expecting to arrive in Croydon mid afternoon. This would provide for doing something in the evening.  On August 1st I will miss Brazil v New Zealand at St James for Korea v Gabon at Wembley at 5.00 while Great Britain play Uruguay that same evening at Hampden Park. It will probably watch the England game somewhere in central London rather Croydon. I should have a travel card getting from Croydon into London and onto Wembley and back as part as the ticket deal.

I am yet to decide on the what I will be doing on the 2nd and 3rd although  I may try and get a hospitality package if one is available without bankrupting me for an Olympic site event.  On August 4th I could get to watch England Live if they finish second in their group  who will play the winner of Group B at  in the quarter final at Wembley  early afternoon. However more likely England will win their group and play group B runner up in Cardiff in the evening so again I will probably watch this match in central London before returning to Croydon.

I have  also checked out the hospitality packages which as I suspected for the Olympic Park cost  several thousand pounds for major events session although the hospitality in terms receptions, drinks and meals covers more time than the actual events!! However more within my sights is a package at Wimbledon for the Tennis.

Now I must confess what happened on my return journey on the Tuesday. I had a good look around the facilities at Kings Cross and eat the sandwich bought at the supermarket on my way to East Croydon station, having loaded the water into the flask for later; I was impressed with the free seating at tables on the first floor balcony overlooking the concourse in front of the carious restaurants. It was only later that I spotted two places selling breakfast rolls having opted out of a breakfast roll with sausages at East Croydon station. I bought two packets of spiced crisps for a £1.40 deal at Smiths

I was able to get myself a good seat at a table on the train only to find that power did not work and had to settle for a table with booked seats although there was one free on an aisle which I had to move to later and then across the aisle to another table when a seat became free which provided freedom of leg movement. In other respects the journey went well and I was able to write and review the events of the previous days.

Because I had to change compartments in a rush I had to place my case in front of others in the space between carriages missing out from the lower luggage rack where I had placed the case in the preferred seat. Later I was able to move the case to the luggage rack after the train had commenced to empty was we approached the North East, or at least I thought I had done this. At Newcastle I removed the case and went for the Metro, debating whether to go for fish and chips with bread and a cuppa High tea at the Wetherspoons. Not seeing this advertised outside and too lazy to enter I made my way home and got myself the cuppa while opening the post and then taking a quick look at the plants outside before checking e mails.

It was at this point the telephone rang and someone from Travel Croydon was speaking. I had brought home the wrong case. Fortunately I had kept the train and Travel Lodge papers in the top compartment of the case and this enabled me to be tracked. Without thinking I gathered the case and made my way to the station. It was only when I was on the Metro train that I realised I had been stupid for the second time that afternoon. I should have got the car out and taken the car direct to the station. It would have saved the heavy work and the time as well as having to bring my case back from the Metro up the hill to home. However the overall feeling was one of relief. What if the train had not stopped at Newcastle and continued to Aberdeen? What if the young man whose case I had taken had not returned to Newcastle when he was studying and lived and was able to sit in the bar with his friends waiting for my return? He was friendly and supportive even though the error was primarily mine. What had happened is that earlier on the journey my case had been moved back and the young man and his friends had moved their luggage in front of mine. I had then incorrectly moved his case to the luggage rack and home.  I had just been at the point of going for the file of papers in the front of the case prior to unpacking when the phone rang.

At least on the way back I felt able to call in a supermarket for mushrooms, tomatoes, milk and lettuce. I could also not resist a packed of roast salted peanuts. This was my real downfall in celebrating that I not only kept to weight but lost a couple of pounds and was at 16.7 once more. However further indulgences wrecked the good work so that I have now a challenge to get back and lower than that 16.7 point.

Teddington, Ham Common Richmond, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction and Brixton

On Saturday April 21st I was woken early by loud conversations between individuals whose first language was not English. The noise occurred for sometime around 5am but I quickly determined that this rude awakening would not spoil my day.  After what  had become my regular breakfast on this visit of a cuppa soup, and looking out over Croydon to the wooded hills and the prominent patches of blue sky above, I uttered the word “Cricket” and decided to dress for a second day at Lords, putting on my suit and tie, and top coat. Fortunately as events transpired I did not take my hat although this was unintentional as I also decided not to take with me the shoulder bag inside of which it would have been placed the hat for the journey to the ground.  The umbrella which had been opened to dry was folded again and had been placed on the desk and not back in the bag. I would use the coat and the brolly to protect my seat, although there is a tradition in the main Pavilion at Lords that seats are not pre allocated or numbered so that MCC members move about, engaging in conversation from time to time, except the Middlesex supporters who seem to me congregated on the top deck of the Pavilion although as it transpired some of did gather in the Long Room. However this is all for another day. Today would be for travelling on buses, for walking and for Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

Having determined my day and approach to it, I set about some writing and later checked emails without paying attention to the clouding of the skies. By the time I reached the time set for departure there was an ominous look to the weather as if rain was imminent and I said to myself a quiet no and prepared to change the plan without knowing how.  Intending to travel light I only had with me the small Berlitz pocket map guides to the buses of the central London and to the Underground network which also had the theatres, the markets and congestion Zone area on small separate maps plus the geography of the river Thames but only from Chelsea to the Woolwich free ferry, useless as I was subsequently to need.

I made my way up the hill to the station but approaching the Dingwall Road Crossing, glancing across at the theatre and reminding myself that I had not checked what was on and not visited once in all the recent years of staying at the central Travel Lodge, I also saw that the queue for the X 26 bus was a good one suggesting that it was not long before the bus to London Heathrow airport was due.

Arrival was three minutes away so on the spur of that moment I decided to wait and see if I would have a seat when the bus arrived, I did although it was on the aisle at the raised level which meant one has to cling on around corners. Fortunately the person at the window alighted at Sutton and for the rest of journey I was comfortable at the window and able to make notes when inclined. But where was I going to? I decided to leave the decision to the weather, and if raining or looking like raining I would journey on, perhaps all the way to the airport.
I have previously taken this bus twice since discovering its route, once to the Hampton Wick end of Teddington High Street and once to Kingston and to then take a bus directly to Richmond via Ham. I enjoyed the fast route passage via Carshalton High Street passing the entrance to the park and pond the scene of many a Sunday walk after mass and then to the Sutton Post office where my birth and care mothers would alight there from Wallington to take another bus to Kingston for their lunch of fish and chips and look around the shopping centre.

Between Sutton and Kingston I was entertained by the exploits of an interesting young woman who had returned to the UK for the first time six months from her work in some hot clime which I suspect was more in the middle east than the Caribbean and where she was catching up with an older woman who was not her mother but for whom she brought a card and a piece of Jewellery which the woman did not open. The girl was attractive and engaging without being sophisticated or beautiful and which made her adventuring that much more interesting. The problem was that while I could clearly hear everything she said the woman spoke in soft tones so that important features of the conversation remain unknown. In contrast there was also a family located in three parts of the bus-- a young man with a child, which I presumed his mother, I think, sitting across from where he stood with the push chair, his wife and another child adjacent to me and his father and another relative towards the back where it was evident that it was it was a journey they had not made before and were regarding as great an adventure as the travels of the young woman to a land where peppers were a central ingredient to every meal.

I had no inclination to visit Kingston on the day and as the weather appeared to have cleared I decided to continue the journey to Teddington alongside the huge acres of Bushey Park rather than go for a bus which would take me direct to Richmond. It was still mid morning but I was feeling ready for lunch. The vastness of the open spaces of Bushey Park always causes me to think why I did not make more of the opportunity to visit when living for those three years at Munster Road.

Certainly I would like to have been a much wealthier man if my career had been carried out in London although despite it location a short walk to the west to the River Thames or to the East and Bushey Park and a couple of miles down the road from Kingston there are no regrets for experience of  living on Wearside and then Tyneside.

For some reason my walk along the High Street at  Teddington seemed to take less time than the previous instance as admittedly I paid more attention to everything along the way marvelling at the changes since living close by, but would still take the car and park in a side street when visiting usually over the weekend. I missed the Tesco where a sandwich deal could have been purchased and Mc D if there is one. I did take note of the large Travel Lodge located close to the Railway Station.

My interest focus on this occasion was property prices and I crossed back and forth to view the windows of the estate agents to see if there was anything for sale in Munster Road or similar deceptive l properties with the sunken gardens at the rear, with garden living rooms and converted coal stores onto domestic areas at the front, and coal shoots made into skylights.

There were two printed guides to take away. One concentrated more on properties £1 million with Prestbury House at Hampton Court overlooking Bushey Park one of the main attractions with seven bedrooms and 4 bathrooms at £6 million while a five level narrow front terrace with amazing views of the Thames from Richmond Hill was commanding £5.7 million for units 4665 square feet and off street parking only for one vehicle; a spacious family home at Kew was going for £4.7 with over 5000 sq ft while Rose House at Ham Common with a large lawn garden to the rear and a vast open plan ground floor design and 4900 sq ft was available for £4.5m, A 2 bed garden flat at Richmond available for half a million while you need three to four thousand a month to rent houses of any size. In Teddington houses close to the river or park command prices in the region of £1.5m.  My favourite had a part sunken garden patio area was in St Albans Gardens with 4300 square feet at £2.65.

The morning had become pleasant in the sun and I regretted the coat and abandoned my tie and rather than catch a bus I crossed the road to Teddington Lock and over the bridges into Ham and its common. The impressive church at the road junction before the lock has become an Art centre with occasionally concerts.

I followed the walkway signs into the Ham residential area where a local bus followed a circuitous route around the village before taking the main road to Petersham and Richmond where at the American University the bus branched of around the residential part of the town until the small bus station where I alighted. Unless there was something of interest showing at the matinee performance of the Richmond Theatre on the Green I proposed to journey on to Clapham Junction and Wands worth. I had no idea how to get there by bus and was therefore pleasantly amazed to see a sign across from the bus station which read Clapham Junction,

In need of food and determined to check out the Theatre I made my way into the centre of town and considered a burger and chips with drink offer at a Weathspoons’ type pub. Before reaching the Theatre at the far end of the Green I was accosted by a gentleman of similar years to me who had with a trolley and leaflets and enquired about a location. I had a vague idea of a similar occurrence on a previous visit but if it some play to engage I was mistaken because having explained I was a visitor he approached another passer-by.

There were some productions which appealed coming up at the theatre but alas the matinee for the day was Absolutely Fabulous with Pauline Quirke and not my cup of tea. It was back to plan B. I decided on a local Tesco and purchased a sandwich, a can of Pepsi and four fingers of Kit Kat, meal deal for £2.50. I missed a bus but the next came within 10 mins although there was a five minute turn around time. This was sufficient to have the lunch although at one point when it looked we would be immediately allowed onto the bus the drink spilled and soaked the property journals.

The journey towards Clapham was very slow because of traffic but the route was quickly recognised as familiar although or why was not remembered. The next discovery was that the bus was going to Wandsworth before Clapham so I was able to get off at the Town Hall where as previously recorded I once played Chess for Croydon Nalgo Social Club. It was a minute or two before 1 and I remembered that there was a showing of the film of interest at 10 past. I made the journey as quickly as I could. At the ticket counter a new system was being introduced which would enable an addition to be paid on top of the voucher to enable 3D to be viewed. The female assistant had difficulty in mastering the new system and I feared I would miss the start of a film about taking Salmon Fishing to the Yemen; I made it by about two trailers for forthcoming features. The film review will follow at the end of the piece.

Afterwards I was hungry once more and entered the adjacent McD which was very busy and after getting a Big Mac and fries for £1.99 I had to sit on a high stool to eat. Staff gave out colourful balloons to the children. I was then ready to return to Croydon and decided to do so via Clapham Junction and made my way to where I knew buses departed. I missed one but only had to wait a few minutes before the next.

Everything appeared straightforward until the Oyster Card was refused. The young assistant could nto read and the  young man at the nearby store shop confirmed it was still showing a debt of £1.16 and suggested I went to an underground station which would be able to print out the recent history. As the bus for Croydon could be caught at Brixton I made my way across the road to the department store where the bus stop was located. The assistant at the station tried to help. I paid £5 and he cleared the debt, but when I checked the following day for departure to St Pancras it was showing £5.40 in credit which was something of a puzzle.

The journey from Brixton to Croydon was most enjoyable because of a delightful one year old that smiled at me from the seat in front and opts out her hand to touch. This led to an interesting conversation with her mother who gave the impression of struggling with motherhood and being a single parent, the conversation moved from the demands of caring for a one year old to my experiences of Croydon since the War. The mother had assumed that because I was wearing a suit and tie I had been to work and showed amazement when I said I was 73 and which got the subsequent conversation going.

On arrival at the Travel Lodge my first action after booting up the lap was to find that Newcastle had won against Stoke by 3 goals to nil and with Chelsea managing only to draw this created a two point advantage and things got even better when in the 5.15 kick off QPR beat Spurs 1.0 and Newcastle were firmly in the 4th championship league position and only a couple of points behind Arsenal in third. I was able to watch the full 90 minutes on Sky Go after the QPR game. The first goal had come early on in the first half with a header from Cabaye, who during the second and an excellent second goal hitting the ball from the side angle across the goal keeper into the far corner of the net. The second goal came in the first part of the first half and was scored by Cisse. Ba had a couple of near misses but the aspect of the performance which impressed me was the quality of the organisation and passing which was on a par with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

It was time to check out tickets for the last home game of season against Manchester City. Newcastle has a touch end of season with three away games against Wigan still fighting to avoid relegation Chelsea, who if they lose tonight against Barcelona will need the European Place. I therefore have two reasons for Chelsea to go through and win the competition with a £20 free bet at £10 with Paddy Power. The Newcastle win has netted me a profit of £2 plus stake money.

Tickets were still on sale for Season tickets holders and Club member. This costs £25 for £12 month. There were only single tickets available in the area behind the goal and the concession price was increased from £22 to £32 making the visit cost £57 more than a single ticket in the special lounge areas but membership will enable advance purchase next season and £1 a time reduction on future purchases so is  a longer term better investment.

I missed most of Britain’s Got Talent as earlier the USA Idol which has reached the last seven and down to public response after the shock of the previous week where the most talented singer had to be saved by the judgers from premature exit. Her problem is personality projection which is understandable given that she is only sixteen years of age. I was ready for an early night but stayed up to watch Alan Shearer pour out his delight at the Newcastle performance before switch off and into bed.

A visit to Stratford, the new Shopping centre and the Olympic Park, 2012 but in torrential rain

On Wednesday April 19th with a torrential downpour above Kings Cross station I took the decision to visit Stratford, to find the new Westfield Shopping centre mad get as close to the Olympic Park by going to the special viewing platform over the workings and at the London Dockland Light Railway above ground station of Pudding Lane. I knew that a trial Olympic Synchronised Swimming event was being held in the Olympic Stadium and I hoped without any expectation there would be somewhere to buy returned tickets. I experienced Wow several times but not about the stadium buildings or the Olympic Park Site. Nevertheless as someone who remembers the 1948 Olympics from radio listening and the newsreels and wished to have been old enough and wealthy enough to attend, this was an overall exciting occasion. I look forward to my trip in early August although at present I have no tickets for the site myself but two for football at Wembley and two for Football at St James.
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The chosen route from Kings Cross was the Victoria Line underground to Islington and then the London overground line to Stratford via Hackney. From there I took the Docklands Light Railway connection to Stratford International. At the time I was unaware it was possible to walk to the International station via the lower level mall at the Westfield shopping centre or when dry over the new bridge from east end of the shopping centre.

There are no ticket barriers at present on exiting the DLR where nearby the Olympic Village is in its last stages of completion. It is a short walk from here to the lower level of the Westfield Shopping centre via the huge empty entrance hall to the International Station departures. International and National trains will come here as well as the regional High speed lines provided by South East Railways. I later discovered that there is a short ride from here to St Pancras for about £9 return while that from Ebbsfleet where I will be staying it around £15 and taking 18 minutes so for my main journeys I will travel to the International Centre from the North East and book tickets to and from Ebbsfleet and then finding my way to the Travel Lodge. However I will investigate how to do this by using the Internet and the telephone beforehand. My experience so far with Oyster card is not encouraging

At this lower level of the centre there is what has been called the Eastern Market with a mixture of food providers and eat and drinkeries from the middle and far east as well as Waitrose. At this point I had no idea of where I was in relation to the Olympic park or Stratford Town centre and station. I purchased a sandwich and a small bottle of water from Waitrose and then found myself somewhere to sit to consume the sandwich and water. I was struck by the size and comprehensiveness of the centre even on this level, with Smiths, Foyles, Curry’s, Primark and Mother Care and Boots. There was also the first group of food and drink outlets in the Fast Food area covering McDonalds, KFC, Subway Sticky Rice, Spud U Like, Harry Ramsdens and Olive Oil and Oregano. I progressed some distance to see that there was a huge Marks and Spencers building with access to the Food Hall. There was access from here Stratford Station and the bus centre where work had been completed years before where I had a family connection with the town.

I then decided to go to the top floor where there is located a number of restaurants including Pizza Express, Nando’s TGI’s and Las Iquanas (10) five on side with tables outside looking into the concourse below. There is the entrance to the Vue Cinema, and Ten Pin Bowling as well as security guarded entrance to the Casino which is on a higher. There is a separate lift entrance from the ground floor. There is a huge Food court below on the second floor, with Fish and Chips Yo Sushi, Tossed, Tortilla, Lotus Leaf, Chicago Rib Steak and Banger Bros with and give always plus six others, thirteen in total. It was at one end of the second floor that I rested a while in one of the comfortable armchairs/settees which are provide as general sitting areas at the approach to John Lewis which is located at the Stratford station end above Waitrose. It here that the I discovered what was to prove the second surprise of the day.

At the top of the store at the far end away from the restaurant there is the 2012 souvenir store which covers the length of the width of the store with all manner of branded and UK goods aimed at the International visitor with prices to match. For about two thirds of the length there is huge viewing window with eight to ten benches and a central guide man. One directly overlooks the Athletics Stadium in front of this is the temporary Water Polo building and to the side of this swimming pool with the tall viewing tower incongruously between them. In the distance one can see the buildings of the City of London although with the rain the view was not a clear one. From our perspective the external views of the buildings are not impressive although was affected by all the on going landscaping and other work continuing and the rows of tents and other construction site activities. However saying this I do not want to convey and overall negative reaction as there was a tremendous air of excitement and anticipation which one does not usually associate with shopping centres which was packed out with users rather than visitors like me. The less expensive eating places, especially the coffee shops and store cafes were well used. It was early doors for the restaurants and Eastern market.

There are in fact seventy establishments providing food and drink at all levels and prices within the centre and others as I shall explain outside and this includes nine establishments on the ground floor.

There are forty three establishments in the category of mixed fashion, thirty in the category of accessories watches and jewellery, thirty with health, beauty and hair dressing, twenty eight with foot wear, twenty four with games, toys, hobbies, twenty with women’s wear, fifteen phones and electronics, fifteen with fitness and sports, thirteen with books, magazines, papers, confectionary and stationery, eight homeware, seven men’s wear, seven lingerie, five banks and exchanges, four services, four photography and art, two opticians and one travel agent! That is a total of approximately three hundred establishments within the centre. I have no idea what this means in terms of staff but I am guessing at three to four thousand and which will have impacted on the local and area economy although given the transport network it is assumed that staff, especially the managerial staff will have come from all over London. There is car parking for five thousand vehicles in three areas and with one having nine levels with access from the A1 and A112 in addition to Stratford High Street. There are also two major hotels and one rented apartment blocks integral to the centre.

The weather cleared up for me to undertake some exploring outside including the main above ground walkway between the centre and Stratford station and town centre which comprises a wide pedestrian bridge over the railway lines and from the International stadium to the roadway across which is the Olympic Park. Along this there are large international restaurants intended for visitors from the five continents who want to eat before or after visiting an event session and with some events having three events a day this is how the figure of seven million walking the walk have been estimated. All the restaurants have covered outside seating areas in the open malls.

A feature within the main centre is the presence of up market vehicle manufacturers with BMW featuring their Gran Coupé, Westfields their sports cars, and the Harley Davidson range together with the latest models from Honda, Mini, Hyundai, Tesla and Nissan. There is also the Gumball 3000 drive tour event.

While by the time I walked the internal malls and external malls and the bridge(twice) I had gained a good idea of the scale, location and sense of where everything was in relation to the two stations, the Olympic Park and the town centre, working out where the various rail transport lines are took some time on the return journey, especially as I had forgotten that I had taken the overground to Stratford and then a different line to the International. At Stratford there are there different areas of platforms. Platforms can be reached directly from the ground level entrance opposite the bus station or from the high level, which enables access to one underground line which is above ground while to get to the overground line you have to under lines to one side of the main entrance and which takes you up to either side of the pairs of platforms. Similar you have to take the life or escalators up from the station’s main concourse to go down to the platforms which include the overground Dockland’s Light Railway and which is of course part of a different operating system to the London overground system with provides across London transport which includes Richmond to the West and Croydon to the South. It is these two destinations which surprised me and which tempted me to explore on one of my remaining days on this visit.

All the walkabout made me tired given my lack of recent activity because of the weather so I made my way to the travel lodge as directly as I could albeit in the midst of the early evening rush hour. Returning from Stratford International to Stratford from where I had walked) yep I did that in the confusion) I went from Islington to Victoria and from Victoria to Croydon. I collect a McD Big Mac and medium fries on the way to my room so that by late evening I was hungry but made do with a cuppa soup and a can of Pepsi( I know a break in the water only era) and digested the experience.

On the way I had overheard a couple attending the synchronised swimming trials discuss how they were getting to the site, and checked out the London Prepares site to see if there were any return tickets available. The London Prepares is separate from the official Olympics Ticket sale and resale site and where the pre events tickets are made available in association with Ticket Master UK. I kicked myself soundly for not exploring the options when first booking this trip, although in fairness it was Lords/Oval cricket orientated and at one period I had considered extending this trip to cover both Durham games in the capitol. I had even been sent an email advise of the sale of tickets for the swimming event.

I also brought with me the Time Out London Pocket guide to the attractions of the capital as well as the Games schedules and preparatory events and which I have also had since the turn of the year but admittedly had not studied. There was therefore no excuse for missing out on getting to an event at the Park When I debated another trip for the Para Olympics the cost of accommodation had become horrendous. There is still the possibility of a hospitality package during the period when I am down and this I will investigate immediately on returning to the North East. It was time to turn my attention to cricket, weather permitting. As I am correctly anticipated there had been no play at Lords or at the Oval. I was to make two visits to Lords and the Members Pavilion and a splendid day on the buses visiting Teddington, Richmond, Wandsworth, Clapham Junction and Brixton. I shall report on these as soon as I can but at present the experience of experiencing fills my day.

Kings Cross new Departure building

My trip to London has commenced exceptionally well. More by luck than intent I booked on the 10.25 which commences at Newcastle central so one therefore has a choice of seats and I was able to find a facing forward table and make use of the power point and use the lap top for the whole journey. I enjoyed the flask of orange juice and pawn mayo sandwiches with crisps as part of the meal deal purchased from Azda and eaten early having set off without breakfast.

I thought the omens were against when yesterday evening I went to collect the suit trousers from Sketchley’s at the Asda Bolden supermarket before attending a relay performance of Rigoletto from the Royal Opera House at the Cineworld. The dry cleaners were closed which was a disappointing surprise as I was convinced that the assistant had said the service was open until 8 pm except Sundays. I shopped for some travel tissues before going to ask the adjacent outlet if they knew the time of opening only to find it was open and the assistant had gone to the look. The cost of the clean and repair was £11.25.

I bought the meal deal and then went to the first floor for the socks. Meanwhile I had a minor panic because I could not find the credit cards which had slipped into the coat lining. I had with me the print out receipt with reference number and had forgotten that I also had the reference number on the mobile. The collect machine did not recognise the credit card perhaps because I did not punch in the reference number. The usual ticket desks were empty so had to go to the concession counter where the young man had no experience of the collect ticket and had to be shown every move. The added problem was that the reference number was barely decipherable and I had forgotten about the telephone message. However I was able to get an excellent seat on my own centre row and opera was stunning in every sense. I will write separately. We have reached York where there is a Giant Wheel opposite the station

I commenced preparations for the trip late, made a list and was systematic. I washed clothing and ironed, and bringing the case downstairs commenced packaging so that by this morning there was only a decision about a second pair of trousers and the shirts together with the getting up bag. I selected the thickest black trousers having packed the grey house jacket, having decided that the green coat and the dark grey light pinstripe suit did not go together despite the country gentleman look. The trousers needed an iron especially one of the leg edges.

In have brought soup packets plus cutlery, can opener and waste bags , but not tins. There will no croissants or pastries on this trip but the voucher from Smiths for Time Out covering my trip which provides for a Big Mac McChicken and medium fries for £2.19 may be used. I am now just above 16.7 and the loss of more than a stone and a half begins to have good effect in appearance, belt size and keeping trousers up. It is nearly five years since I was at this weight and I am determined to continue to under 15 now, amending the original target of under 16.

The plan is still to go to Lords tomorrow. Despite a weather forecast of potentially heavy showers. I bought the Time out for a check on cinemas as I have the Cineworld vouchers with me and planed to use at least one possibly two now. There is the Chelsea game tonight and QPR against Spurs on Saturday evening if the cricket is a washout or not going well. I plan to check out where I am staying in Olympic week in August where the is supposed to be an 18 mins fast ride to St Pancras where there is a direct line to Wembley Park. I missed out on the test event at the Olympic Park 18-22 but may go and see if there are returns or fresh tickets when I go for my looksee on Friday unless the weather is so poor tomorrow that going to Lords is not worth the effort. I have the Time Out London 2012 pocket Guide which reveals that the Pudding Lane DLR station is the best stop via Stratford. I want to go to Stratford for the new Shopping centre so will make a day of it and if entry on to the site is not possible without a ticket I shall go to the view box platform if that is also open.

I had some interest in the other passengers in the compartment close to me. A young man had also made a bee line for the adjacent table with computer, phone and earpiece. He resisted the coffee at £2.20 wanting some food snack but later went to the buffet and brought back a sandwich, I looked after his things while he was away. Two young men got on Darlington from Catterick camp I guessed. They did not have much with them. They were investigating futures outside and in the force. There were lots of phone calls. I wondered if they had been injured. There was the talk of army pension paid monthly. Their situation interested but confused. Later two young business men sat behind me. They were involved with the German market and had concerns about the person conducting training of German speaking(but what). They needed to find the right person. I wondered what SIPS stood for.

I had a coffee and drank the soup before the journey ended sorting everything out so I was read to leave on arrival. The train parked behind another. There is continuing work on station beyond the new bridge walkway between the platforms and where there are now new lifts as well as stairs on each platform. Above the area of the main train there is now the high arched roof with sky above.

The first development is the sense of open space as you leave the trains. The seats before the former departure board have been removed and now placed at the side so that those awaiting to meet travellers can sit until their arrival. It is possible to reach the new departure area via a small channel close to the new underground train entrance.

The new area is stunning, brilliantly lit and fully operational on both floors. There are some stores to one side still to be opened but it is as good as finished. It is remarkable in design and I will go back without luggage to fully explore. This I did on the following morning as it was evident that play at the cricket would limited. In fact there was no play at all or at the oval where Surrey are entertaining Worcester

This time I approached from the St Pancras station, having seen that the Boots Meal cost £3.79 or less compared to £2.50 back home. Later from Waitrose at Stratford Westfield, I purchased a cheese and celery sandwich with cold bottled water for £1.87. I mention this because at the far corner of the new departure building there is access to a pub restaurant. The Parcel Yard and which as the name suggests was used for parcel by the GPO in times past, Now situated on the first floor with left luggage below and toilets, similarly separate and distant from the main concourses for security reasons there is an attractive Dickension atmosphere Inn but with 21st style prices for food with starters in the £7 as well as puds and main courses £10-£22. I reckon a good three course meal here will set you back £30-£50. There is a large Costa Coffee on the ground floor, there are several restaurants with Terrace Tables on the first looking over the concourse.

Below the restaurants there are the usual suspects, Smiths, Boots and M and S and a small number of other outlets including one for books, There are opportunities for others. The former first class lounge has been retained with access from the area. One can still go directly onto the platforms by the entrance to the suburban stations or at the other by one of two entrances to the new underground warren to the underground stations for the Victoria, Northern, District, Circle and Metropolitan lines but you have to be prepared for long walks as these now take you either under the roadway to St Pancras at both of its ends or to the entrances to the various lines.

There appears to be a plethora of new ticket facilities as there were at the previous bookings office but with a separation from the separate underground ticketing so that advance purchase through the Oyster card system is highly recommended. There are two departure boards at each end of the concourse. I did not work out if it is still possible to position jump to avoid the rush as everyone goes early for the spare unreserved seats. I will check on this over the next three days. In addition to the spaciousness what catches the eye and makes for the splendid atmosphere is the vaulted ceiling which is lit in soft pink. I will need to check on the shade.

Outside there are major workings underway on both sides of the roadway primarily by taxis. With that along side St Pancras continue into the distance, Quite a few people were taking the pavement despite the rain, suggesting an explore when the weather is OK one day. For those used to the improvements made in recent years to other main line stations then the new Entrance facilities at Kings Cross may not create in them the sense of WoW I continue to experience. The building is worth a visit especially when the rest of the area has been developed as planned.

With the rain persistent and not likely to clear I settled for plan B which was to investigate progress at Stratford and the Olympic site.