Members Reviews

VISIT TO THE GEFFRYE MUSEUM

The Geffrye Museum has been transformed since we last paid a visit. The first rooms featured exhibits in cases. We were particularly interested in a 350 year old ‘sheep’s head’ clock and some ancient lighting methods, including a rush light which could be lit at both ends to give greater light - hence the expression ‘burning the candle at both ends’. We visited rooms depicting the decor and fashions of the different ages of life among the middle classes, from the 1830s through to 1965, complete with genuine period furnishings and utensils.

Afterwards we went on a guided tour of the adjacent 18th century alms houses, where we learned of the fate ofretired governesses who were abandoned once their charges grew up. We also learned that inmates could be fined or even evicted for ‘lewd’ behaviour’.

LORD MAYOR’S SHOW

We usually have cold weather for this event but this year it was dry.

We took up a great vantage spot, almost close enough to pull the horses’ tails, and watched the regular floats go past. The Pimlico Plumbers showed their old-fashioned vans, then their modern vehicles; the musketeers struck the road with their wooden fork rests as they marched along (these were used in battle to rest the heavy matchlock muskets).  High Court Judges, resplendent in their scarlet robes, rode past in their horse-drawn carriages, enthusiastically manipulating their glove puppets.  All in all, it was a day of pageantry rarely seen in this day and age.

CEROC (MODERN JIVE)

We had a wonderful evening at the Ceroc (modern jive) class at All Saints Arts Centre in north London (N20 9EZ). The beginners’ class lasted about an hour, and then once the intermediate class finished, everyone enjoyed freestyle dancing with a DJ until 11pm.  Friendly, helpful "taxi dancers" and other experienced dancers helped us beginners increase our ability and confidence.  The cost was very reasonable - £10 - and no need to commit to a series or reserve a place - just show up. The Centre also has a bar for drinks and snacks.  Ceroc is loads of fun, relatively easy, and great exercise!

 HAZ

 In February we tried out a new venue for our ‘First Friday of the Month’ event. A large group of members came along to sample the delights of HAZ, a modern Turkish cafe, bar and restaurant just yards away from St. Paul’s underground station. Most of us stayed in the bar area while some had a meal in the adjacent restaurant. The food was excellent and reasonably priced in both the bar and the restaurant, and the evening was pronounced a success by all.

This is now a regular monthly event.

From March 2011

 TOUR OF FULLERS BREWERY

 A jovial, enthusiastic and knowledgeable lady guided our happy band round the brewery, from the clunky and time-consuming methods used in centuries gone by to the high-tech equipment in use today. Our noses were soon bathing in the pungent aromas of hops and malted barley. We peered through portholes to observe dark, gently stirring liquids, then watched barrels whizzing along conveyor belts reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin’s ‘Modern Times’. A fascinating robot loaded and unloaded barrels of beer so efficiently it was hard to believe it had no brain. We accepted a few sample glasses of different brews at the end of the tour, as our guide assured us that beer was very good for us!

  TOUR OF LONDON LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OF FREEMASONRY

 Although traditionally a somewhat secretive organization, the Freemasons are now happy to explain their beliefs and principles and to show visitors round the temple and museum.  We saw their displays of pottery, glass and silverware, furniture and clocks and Masonic jewelry and regalia, including the different ceremonial aprons. 

The massive temple doors were so well engineered that they would open at the touch of a fingertip! The temple had brightly coloured stained glass windows and a huge organ, only the second one of its kind in the world. We learned of the ancient history of the craftsmen of long ago, and of the Great Architect, whose eye gazed down upon us from the magnificently painted ceiling.

From April 2011

KINGS TROOP

A rousing military band accompanied the King’s Troop as they paraded in Regents’ Park. There were some amazing displays of horsemanship and hooves pounded on the turf as the horses galloped by, pulling antique field guns. A female guardswoman amongst the men flashed us a proud smile! Then there was some breath-taking stuff as one pack of horses charged straight at another, passing between each other with only inches to spare. Afterwards we went off for brunch. This will certainly become one of our regular annual events. 

ZIPPO’S HORSEPOWER

We paid another fun visit to Zippo’s Circus. This time there was an emphasis on timeless equine grace and beauty as we were entertained by an elegant lady on a prancing black horse. We then chuckled at the antics of our favourite musical clown troupe before gasping at the ‘Wall of Death’ act, as a team of motorcyclists executed high-speed formation patterns inside a small round cage. There were also some more traditional acts, such as Norman the ring master with his performing budgies. We ended up at a nice nearby pub eating al fresco.

From May 2011

A VISIT TO NUNHEAD CEMETERY

The weather was kind to us as we met at the large gates to the cemetery. It was Open Day and there were stands manned by such diverse groups as the Humanists and the Basingstoke Tabernacle. There were ‘Goths’ in kinky outfits and birds of prey. We all cooed over the baby barn owl! The real star however is the cemetery itself with beautiful angels of weather mellowed stone.

Later Pam refreshed us with tea and cakes in her garden.

From June 2011